The adrenal glands are triangular-shaped & sit on top of the kidneys.
The cortex or external part of the adrenal gland produces steroid hormones called cortisol, aldosterone & testosterone. The medulla or internal part of the adrenal gland produces adrenaline (also called epinephrine) & noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine).
When the cortex of the adrenal glands produces too little of these hormones, it is called Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). When the adrenal glands produce too much of these hormones, it is called Cushings Disease (hyperadrenocorticism).
Prednisone at the necessary dose to treat AIHA/IMHA has an effect on the adrenal glands & they can become atrophied or shrunken because the drug is in effect doing their work for them, i.e. providing steroid hormones. For this reason, careful weaning is necessary to allow these glands to “wake up again” & recover their normal function. This will help to avoid the symptoms of Addisons Disease.
High doses of prednisone during treatment for AIHA/IMHA also causes symptoms of Cushings Disease.
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