Difference to tertiary adrenal cortex insufficiency | Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency

Difference to tertiary adrenal cortex insufficiency

Tertiary adrenal insufficiency is often described in the literature as a cortisol deficiency that occurs after a dose reduction or sudden cessation of drug-administered cortisol. This sounds a little confusing at first, but can be explained quickly. The cortisol intake tells the body that sufficient cortisol is available.

The otherwise driving force of the adrenal cortex, the pituitary gland then releases less ACTH, it is thus inhibited. If the therapy is suddenly stopped or the dose reduced, however, the body cannot react and the lack of cortisol remains. Due to the previously existing inhibition, the pituitary gland does not begin to function properly. Consequently, a so-called tertiary adrenal cortex insufficiency presents itself, which is similar to the secondary one in its symptoms.