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The symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency are often vague and nonspecific. They may emerge slowly, first appearing during times of stress, then increasing in intensity over a period of several months. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration (only in Addison’s disease)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Dizziness and fainting
- Fatigue
- Hyperpigmentation (only in Addison’s disease - dark patches of skin, especially in the folds of the skin. Sometime black freckles on the forehead and face and/or discolouration around areas such as the nipples, lips, and rectum)
- Joint and muscle aches
- Low blood pressure
- Salt craving (only in Addison’s disease)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Decreased body hair
Sometimes, however, the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may appear suddenly. About 25% of the time, adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed during a crisis (also called an Addisonian crisis). This crisis may be caused by a period of increased stress, trauma, surgery, or a severe infection. If left untreated it can be fatal. In acute adrenal failure (Addisonian crisis), the signs and symptoms may include:
- Low blood pressure
- Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs
- Severe vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to
- Shock
- Kidney failure
- Loss of consciousness
Last Review Date: July 1, 2018