What are common presenting symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?

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The common presenting symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include weakness, weight loss, and abdominal pain, making this the correct answer. In adrenal insufficiency, the body fails to produce adequate amounts of corticosteroids, especially cortisol, which can lead to a range of symptoms.

Weakness is a result of inadequate energy production and poor metabolism due to insufficient cortisol levels. Weight loss occurs because the body cannot maintain normal metabolic functions, including appetite and nutrient absorption. Abdominal pain is often reported due to low cortisol levels affecting the gastrointestinal system, which may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

This symptomatology aligns well with the pathophysiology of adrenal insufficiency, which affects various body systems and manifests through these physical symptoms.

The other options present symptoms that are not typically associated with adrenal insufficiency. For instance, weight gain and insomnia tend to suggest conditions like Cushing's syndrome or other endocrine disorders rather than adrenal insufficiency. Hyperactivity and hypertension are inconsistent with adrenal insufficiency, as individuals typically experience low energy and hypotension. Lastly, fatigue and increased appetite do not align with the classic presentation of adrenal insufficiency, where fatigue is indeed present, but appetite might decrease rather than increase due to the metabolic derangement.

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