adrenocortical insufficiency
a potentially life-threatening condition caused by failure of the adrenal cortex to produce adequate levels of hormones required for normal metabolic functions. Symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, anxiety, and depression. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency is caused by abnormal functioning of the adrenal cortex itself and is called Addison’s disease, whereas secondary adrenocortical insufficiency is caused by failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough corticotropin, which stimulates hormone release from the adrenal cortex.