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Idiopathic Adrenal Atrophy - The adrenal glands can atrophy during prolonged use
of exogenous glucocorticoids such as prednisone.
The adrenal glands secrete:
- Mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone) to maintain sodium and water balance.
- Glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol) to regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
- Sex steroids (androgens and estrogen).
- Catecholamines (mainly epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) to regulate reactions
to stress.
Idiopathic autoimmune form of adrenal insufficiency affects women more than men -
2.2:1
Atrophy - the partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body.
Causes of atrophy include:
- Mutations (which can destroy the gene to build up the organ).
- Poor nourishment.
- Poor circulation.
- Loss of hormonal support.
- Loss of nerve supply to the target organ.
- Lack of exercise.
- Disease intrinsic to the tissue itself.
Idiopathic Adrenal Atrophy
