Adrenal failure

Adrenal failure - Insufficient production of hormones by the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal glands). It can be acute or chronic.

Adrenal failure may be caused by a disorder of the adrenal glands, in which case it is called Addison’s disease, or by reduced stimulation of the adrenal cortex by ACTH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.