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- Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is vital to many different functions of the body. It regulates the cardiovascular system, it slows the immune system's inflammatory response and it regulates metabolism. There are many possible reasons for a low level of cortisol in the body.
- Addison's disease is when the adrenal glands are damaged and can't produce enough cortisol. About 80 percent of cases of Addison's are caused by an autoimmune disorder, according to the Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. An autoimmune disorder is when the body produces antigens that attack the body. In this case, the antigens attack the adrenal glands, which causes the low cortisol levels.
- Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that is widely known for attacking the lungs, but it also can attack the adrenal glands, causing them to not be able to produce enough cortisol. This accounts for less than 20 percent of cases of Addison's Disease.
- Other possible causes of Addison's Disease include cancer, a chronic fungal infection, amyloidosis (an abnormal buildup of protein in organs), bleeding in the adrenal glands, genetic adrenal defects and surgical removal of the adrenal glands.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced by the pituitary gland that triggers the release of cortisol. If there is a lack of ACTH, then the adrenal glands won't produce enough cortisol. If someone who has been taking a synthetic glucocorticoid hormone suddenly stops taking it, this can result in a sudden drop in cortisol. Any damage to the pituitary gland could result in low cortisol levels. This can be caused by an infection, a tumor, loss of blood flow, radiation or surgical removal.
- Quetiapine is a drug used to treat depression. Its use has been linked to low levels of cortisol. According to docguide.com, it is believed that this drug causes the ACTH levels to drop, which causes the low cortisol level.
Cortisol
Autoimmune Disorders
Tuberculosis
Rare Causes
Lack Of ACTH
Quetiapine
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