When they do appear, the symptoms of autoimmune adrenalitis can include: In fact, the National Organization for Rare Disorders estimates that symptoms don’t happen until about 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed. Many people with autoimmune adrenalitis won’t have symptoms until severe damage to the adrenal cortex has occurred. Because of this, they may sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions. The symptoms of autoimmune adrenalitis can come on slowly and be nonspecific. What are the symptoms of autoimmune adrenalitis? The more common name for this condition is Addison’s disease. Potentially life threatening complications can occur if the condition isn’t treated.Īutoimmune adrenalitis is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency.

Helping to maintain the balance of potassium and sodium in your blood, aldosterone is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, stable heart rate, and proper function of nerves and muscles.Ī lack of these hormones is what causes symptoms. One of the main hormones involved in your responses to stress, cortisol also has a role in reducing inflammation and regulating things like metabolism, blood sugar, and blood pressure. The immune system attacks and destroys this area, resulting in the loss of the production of two hormones: They work to produce a variety of different hormones.Īutoimmune adrenalitis specifically affects the adrenal cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal gland. Each one is located on the top of your kidneys. Autoimmune adrenalitis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your adrenal glands.

Adrenal gland pain location