Underactivity Introduction Adrenal gland disorders are due to either underactive or overactive adrenal glands. Also, adrenal gland disorders vary according to the actual hormones involved. This section also contains information on overactive adrenal glands , including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal tumours .
Corticosteroids help the body respond to stress.
This accounts for about one-third of Addison's disease cases. Use of corticosteroids as a treatment causes a slow down in production of natural corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. Certain drugs used to treat fungal infections may block production of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands. Usually, the cause is unknown. Symptoms and Signs Mild Addison's disease symptoms may only be apparent when the patient is under physical stress.