Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency

Chronic adrenal insufficiency is a disorder in which the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, insufficiently produce essential hormones such as cortisol, which disrupts metabolic functions and the body's response to stress.

Common symptoms: It usually develops gradually. It may present with:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dizziness when standing up and darkening of the skin

Which specialist treats it? The endocrinologist coordinates its workup and, depending on the case, may draw on the internist, the nephrologist, the pediatrician, and the dietitian.

When to seek care? In the presence of marked fatigue that does not let up, frequent dizziness, or striking skin changes, it is prudent to consult; a clinical evaluation with hormone studies is the way to understand what is happening.