Corticosteroid-induced adrenal insufficiency

In patients with longstanding hypothyroidism and those with ischemic heart disease, rapid correction of hypothyroidism may precipitate angina, cardiac arrhythmias, or other adverse effects. For these patients, replacement therapy should be started at low initial doses, followed by slow titration to full replacement as tolerated over several months. If hypothyroidism and some degree of adrenal insufficiency coexist, an appropriate adjustment of the corticosteroid replacement must be initiated prior to thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This prevents acute adrenocortical insufficiency that could otherwise arise from a thyroid hormone-induced increase in the metabolic clearance rate of adrenocortical hormones. 

Grabner W. Zur induzierten NNR-Insuffizienz bei chirur-gischen Eingriffen. [Problems of corticosteroid-induced adrenal insufficiency in surgery.] Fortschr Med 1977 95(30) 1866-8. 

Secondary adrenal insufficiency most commonly results from exogenous corticosteroid use, leading to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and decreased release of ACTH, resulting in impaired androgen and cortisol production. Mirtazapine and progestins (e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol acetate) have also been reported to induce secondary adrenal insufficiency. Secondary disease typically presents with normal mineralocorticoid concentrations. 

---