Overview
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain essential hormones, particularly cortisol and often aldosterone. Symptoms usually develop slowly and can be vague, but the condition can become life-threatening if hormone levels drop sharply. It is diagnosed with blood tests and is manageable with hormone replacement under medical care.
Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
- Darkening of the skin, especially scars and creases
- Low blood pressure, dizziness on standing
- Salt cravings
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Low mood or irritability
- Low blood sugar episodes
Causes & risk factors
- Autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands (most common)
- Infections affecting the adrenal glands
- Certain genetic conditions
- Bleeding into or damage to the adrenal glands
- Spread of cancer to the adrenal glands (less common)
Treatment & self-care
Care generally involves lifelong replacement of the missing adrenal hormones, with doses that may need to be increased during illness, injury, or surgery. A clinician teaches how to adjust treatment during 'sick days' and the importance of an emergency plan. Diagnosis and ongoing management must be supervised by a licensed clinician.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have persistent fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, or skin darkening
- You have known adrenal insufficiency and become ill, vomit, or cannot take your medication
- Call emergency services for sudden severe weakness, confusion, severe vomiting, abdominal or leg pain, or collapse, which can signal an adrenal crisis
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.