Cortisol Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When your body doesn’t make enough cortisol, a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress. Also known as hydrocortisone, it’s your body’s natural way of handling pressure—whether it’s from illness, injury, or daily stress. Without enough of it, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

Cortisol deficiency often shows up as adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough steroid hormones. This can happen because of damage to the adrenal glands themselves—like in Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that destroys adrenal tissue—or because the brain’s pituitary gland stops signaling the adrenals to make cortisol. Some people develop it after long-term steroid use, when the body stops making its own. Others get it after infections, tumors, or even sudden trauma. The symptoms? Constant tiredness, dizziness when standing, nausea, salt cravings, and unexplained weight loss. If you’ve been told you’re "just stressed" but nothing helps, cortisol deficiency might be the real issue.

Low cortisol doesn’t just make you feel drained—it throws off your whole system. Blood sugar drops, blood pressure falls, and your immune system gets shaky. It’s not something you can power through. Treatment usually means replacing what’s missing with synthetic cortisol, like hydrocortisone or prednisone. But figuring out the cause matters—because treating Addison’s is different from fixing a medication side effect. People who manage this well learn to adjust doses during illness, carry emergency injectable cortisol, and track their symptoms closely. It’s not glamorous, but it’s life-changing.

Below, you’ll find real stories and comparisons from people who’ve dealt with hormone imbalances, medication swaps, and side effects that mimic cortisol deficiency. Whether you’re trying to understand your own symptoms or helping someone else, these posts offer practical, no-fluff insights—no guesswork, just clear info.