adrenal insufficiency

Definition of adrenal insufficiency

adrenal insufficiency (uh-DREE-nul IN-suh-FIH-shen-see): A rare disorder in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of certain hormones. Symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and patchy or dark skin. Most cases of the disorder are caused by immune system problems, but may also be caused by infection, cancer, or other diseases. Also called Addison disease.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms