Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands (located on top of each kidney) are not able to make the right amount of important hormones.
These hormones include cortisol (kawr-tuh-sawl) and aldosterone (al-dos-tuh-rohn). They help keep blood pressure and blood sugar normal, as well as maintain salt and water balance. These hormones are important when the body needs to fight an infection or recover from surgery, a broken bone, or other illness.
Adrenal insufficiency can be life threatening if not treated properly.