Underactive Adrenal Glands (Addison’s Disease)
Addison’s disease is a rare, serious condition affecting the adrenal glands, which can be a significant cause of heat intolerance. The adrenal glands are above the kidneys and produce hormones that help control the body’s response to stress. If a person has Addison’s disease, these glands aren’t producing enough of these hormones.
When a person is not stressed, their adrenal glands produce cortisol and other hormones in response to low blood sugar or potassium levels in the bloodstream. This helps keep them stable by raising sugar levels and relieving symptoms such as nausea or weakness if they become ill from eating contaminated food or drinking polluted water (e.g., after an earthquake).
It also raises blood pressure during times when exercise would typically cause it to drop (e.g., after running from an earthquake). In addition, cortisol can strengthen muscles so a person can use them more efficiently during stressful events like escaping an earthquake.
