Adrenal Insufficiency

Background: The adrenal glands are a small pair of glands located on top of the kidneys. They make a variety of hormones including adrenaline and cortisol (the body's major form of cortisone). Adrenal insufficiency generally refers to inadequate production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a crucial hormone that is necessary to control inflammation and produce energy normally. A complete lack of cortisol causes rapid death. Adrenal insufficiency can cause fatigue, anxiety , palpitations, low blood pressure, (possibly) auto-immune disease and much more.

The conventional approach to adrenal insufficiency starts with the erroneous assumption that adrenal insufficiency is only important when it has progressed to a severe and possibly life threatening degree. Treatment is generally withheld until advanced stages occur. When started, treatment generally involves standard doses of cortisol or synthetic derivatives. These treatments are often not adequately adjusted to provide safe and effective treatment. Adrenal insufficiency is also typically treated without special consideration for other hormones such as DHEA or thyroid hormones. Thus, the standard approach flies in the face of the 50 year body of work of cortisol specialist, William McK. Jefferies MD.

Dr. Doyle's approach is different from the conventional methods in that first, he recognizes that adrenal insufficiency occurs across a spectrum from mild to severe. He believes that treatment of the more mild forms is often medically important. Dr. Doyle also recognizes that many important medical conditions such as chronic fatigue , autoimmune problems and allergies may stem from insufficient cortisol. Treatment usually involves individualized doses of cortisol or synthetic derivatives tailored to relieve symptoms and avoid side effects. Dr. Doyle's believes that the best treatment of adrenal insufficiency maintains a healthy balance with other hormones such as thyroid and DHEA.

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