Difference to secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency
Secondary adrenal insufficiency is a functional impairment of the pituitary gland or adenohypophysis. It is often a benign tumor that leads to such impairment. Without the effect of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland, the adrenal cortex lacks its drive to produce cortisol and the sex hormones (androgens).
Occasionally, tertiary adrenal cortex insufficiency is also attributed to the secondary form, since both are associated with a loss of pituitary gland function, although different causes are also responsible for the insufficiency. The symptoms of the two forms are basically the same. Learn more about secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency.
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