Also known as: Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and often aldosterone. It is a rare but serious condition that requires lifelong hormone replacement.
Addison's disease affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people. In developed countries, autoimmune destruction accounts for 80-90% of cases. In developing countries, tuberculosis remains a leading cause.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol (essential for stress response, metabolism, and immune function) and aldosterone (regulating salt and water balance). Loss of these hormones is life-threatening without replacement.
Adrenal crisis can be triggered by illness, surgery, or missing medication — patients must carry emergency injection kits and medical alert identification.
People with Addison's Disease often experience the following symptoms.
Darkening of skin, particularly in creases, scars, and mucous membranes, from excess ACTH stimulating melanocytes.
Profound, progressive fatigue that worsens with activity and is not relieved by rest.
Intense craving for salty foods from aldosterone deficiency and sodium loss.
Dizziness upon standing due to low blood volume and impaired vascular tone.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Addison's Disease.
Common approaches to managing addison's disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Oral hydrocortisone taken 2-3 times daily to mimic the natural cortisol circadian rhythm.
Mineralocorticoid replacement for aldosterone deficiency, maintaining salt and water balance.
Doubling or tripling hydrocortisone during illness, injury, or surgery to prevent adrenal crisis.
Injectable hydrocortisone for patients to carry for emergency use when oral medication cannot be taken.
Morning cortisol (low), ACTH (elevated in primary), ACTH stimulation test (inadequate cortisol response), and adrenal antibodies for autoimmune cause.
Seek emergency care for adrenal crisis: severe weakness, confusion, low blood pressure, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. This is life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening addison's disease.
No prevention for autoimmune Addison's
Always carry emergency steroid injection
Wear medical alert identification
Educate family on crisis management
If left untreated or poorly managed, addison's disease may lead to:
Without treatment, yes. With proper hormone replacement, most patients live normal lives. Adrenal crisis is the main danger.
No. Lifelong hormone replacement is required. The autoimmune destruction is irreversible.
Illness, surgery, dehydration, missing medication, or any physical stress without adequate cortisol coverage.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.