

Steroid medicine is given to balance the level of steroid hormones your adrenals naturally make. How is secondary adrenal insufficiency treated? Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. You may be given contrast liquid to help your brain and adrenal glands show up better in the pictures. They can show cancers, infection, or any abnormal bleeding. CT scan or MRI pictures of your brain and adrenal glands may be used to see why you have SAI.Your blood is tested a second time to see if the hormone levels increased. Then you are given a shot of chemicals to cause your pituitary and adrenal glands to make hormones. First it is tested to measure the hormone levels. Chemical stimulation tests are used to check for an increase in hormone levels.Urine tests are used to check the amount of adrenal hormones in your urine.Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels and to check for health problems SAI may be causing.He or she may ask about your medical history.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started. How is secondary adrenal insufficiency diagnosed?

Adrenal hormones such as cortisol help your body handle stress, keep blood pressure normal, and balance salt and fluids. SAI develops when the pituitary gland does not make enough of a chemical called ACTH to control adrenal hormone production. The adrenal glands are controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain. SAI is a condition that develops when your adrenal glands do not make enough adrenal hormones. What is secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI)?
