8. Quality of Life and Risks
Before being diagnosed, people often have been suffering for months or years. When finally treated, their condition usually improves within 24 hours. This initial improvement in wellbeing led expert physicians to believe that treated patients can lead a normal life with a normal life expectancy. Only in recent years it became evident that in some patients the restoration of wellbeing remains incomplete. The reasons are not yet fully understood, but may be linked to the disturbed circadian rhythm of blood cortisol levels and the lack of DHEA.
People living with chronic adrenal insufficiency who receive standard replacement therapy also show an increased mortality. Recent studies have shown that imbalances in blood cortisol may lead to a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events.
Adrenal crisis also contributes to the increased mortality in people with diagnosed and treated adrenal insufficiency, 1 in 200 patients will die from an adrenal crisis.
Helpful tips on how to live well and be prepared for an emergency can be found in the “Being prepared” section of our Library.
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Anatomy/Physiology | Types of Adrenal Insufficiency | Symptoms | Testing/Diagnosis | Treatment | Stress dosing/Sick day Management | Adrenal Crisis | Quality of Life and Risks | Other Conditions and Drugs | Long-term Management | Suggested Reading | Literature/References
Author: Gisela Spallek, MD PhD
Edited by Maria Stewart, Director of AIC and deputy editor Des Rolph, Associate Director of AIC