tumors on the adrenal glands or those that communicate with the adrenal glands.autoimmune disease, which is the most common cause of Addison’s disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.There are many potential causes of adrenal insufficiency, including: This means that the adrenals cannot make enough cortisol. Without CRH, the pituitary gland cannot make ACTH. This occurs when the brain cannot produce enough corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Without ACTH, the adrenals do not receive a signal to make cortisol. This occurs when the pituitary gland does not make enough of a hormone called adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). This condition develops when the adrenal gland itself does not function well and cannot make enough cortisol. Primary adrenal insufficiency, or Addison’s disease.There are three types of adrenal insufficiency: When the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol, it is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease The following sections discuss the most common adrenal gland disorders. When this happens, it is known as an adrenal gland disorder. Sometimes, the adrenal glands produce too much or not enough of their hormones.