EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Too little cortisol may be due to a problem in the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland (Addison’s disease). The onset of symptoms is often very gradual. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness (especially upon standing), weight loss, muscle weakness, mood changes and the darkening of regions of the skin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Inadequate secretion of the adrenal glands, which is also called hyposecretion of adrenal glands, leads to Addison’s disease. Hyposecretion of the adrenal glands can be caused due to the destruction of the cells of the adrenal glands by the body’s own immune system.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cortisol levels help to control the pituitary’s production of ACTH. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, occurs when the adrenal glands cannot produce an adequate amount of hormones despite a normal or increased corticotropin (ACTH) level (figure 2).

Detailed explanation-4: -Hyposecretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol leads to a disorder called Addison’s disease. There may also be hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids with this disorder.