hormonal and metabolic disorders
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal hormones
When the adrenal glands become underactive, they tend to produce inadequate amounts of all of the adrenal hormones, including corticosteroids (particularlycortisol) and mineralocorticoids (particularly aldosterone, which controls blood pressure and the levels of salt [sodium chloride] and potassium in the body). The adrenal glands also stimulate the production of small amounts oftestosteroneandestrogenand other similar sex hormones (androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]), levels of which also are reduced in people with adrenocortical insufficiency. Thus, insufficient adrenal hormones can affect About Body Water , When the adrenal glands are destroyed by infection or cancer, the adrenal medulla and thus the source ofepinephrine, is also lost. However, this loss does not cause symptoms. in particular causes the body to excrete large amounts of sodium and retain potassium, leading to Hyponatremia (Low Level of Sodium in the Blood) and so that the level of sugar in the blood may fall dangerously low ( Hypoglycemia ). The deficiency prevents the body from manufacturing carbohydrates, which are needed for cellular function, and protein, for fighting infections properly and controlling inflammation. Muscles weaken, and even the heart can become weak and unable to pump blood adequately. In addition, the blood pressure may become dangerously low. People with adrenal insufficiency are not able to produce the additional corticosteroids that are needed when the body is stressed. People therefore are susceptible to serious symptoms and complications when confronted with illness, extreme fatigue, severe injury, surgery, or, possibly, severe psychologic stress. 