Source of pathology CRH ACTH DHEA DHEA-S Cortisol Aldosterone Renin Na K Causes5 hypothalamus (tertiary)1 low low low low low3 low low low low tumor of the hypothalamus (adenoma), antibodies, environment, head injury, abrupt corticosteroid withdrawal pituitary (secondary) high2 low low low low3 low low low low tumor of the pituitary (adenoma), antibodies, environment, head injury, surgical removal6, Sheehan's syndrome adrenal glands (primary)7 high high high high low4 low high low high tumor of the adrenal (adenoma), stress, antibodies, environment, Addison's, injury, surgical removal