Cortisol Deficiency

The most common symptoms of cortisol deficiency* are

  • chronic, or long-lasting, fatigue
  • muscle weakness
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • abdominal pain

Other symptoms can include

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • low blood pressure that drops further when you stand up, causing dizziness or fainting
  • irritability, anxiety and depression
  • joint pain
  • craving salty foods
  • hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose
  • irregular or no menstrual periods
  • loss of interest in sex
  • headache
  • sweating
Fatigue

Christine Wrightson: “Early in 2005 I suffered a virus that would not clear up. Initially I had a sore throat with flu-like symptoms. This developed into severe fatigue, vertigo, tinnitus, blurred vision, vomiting, feeling faint, palpitations, poor circulation and hot sweats. I felt at times that I was going to die.” http://www.investinme.org/mestory0041.shtml

Sources:

NIDDK https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease/symptoms-causes

Thyroid UK Adrenal insufficiency – Thyroid UK

Note
*Cortisol deficiency may also be called hypocortisolism, hypoadrenalism, adrenal insufficiency, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency.
‘Primary’ means ’caused by a problem in the adrenal glands.’
‘Secondary’ means ’caused by a problem in the pituitary gland.’
‘Tertiary’ means ’caused by a problem in the hypothalamus.’
‘Central’ means ’caused by a problem in the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.’

For how to test if you have cortisol deficiency see ‘Diagnosis‘ page