Addison's disease is treated with medication to replace the missing hormones. You'll need to take the medication for the rest of your life. With treatment, symptoms of Addison's disease can largely be controlled. Most people with the condition have a normal lifespan and are able to live an active life with few limitations. But many people with Addison's disease also find they must learn to manage bouts of fatigue, and there may be associated health conditions, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid.
People with Addison's disease must be constantly aware of the risk of a sudden worsening of symptoms, called an adrenal crisis. This can happen when the levels of cortisol in your body fall significantly. An adrenal crisis is a medical emergency. Symptoms of Addison's disease The hormone cortisol The hormone aldosterone Causes of Addison's disease Secondary adrenal insufficiency Addisonian crisis Diagnosis of Addison's disease Treatment of Addison's disease Where to get help.
Symptoms of Addison's disease The symptoms of Addison's disease can include any or all of the following: loss of appetite and weight nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea muscle weakness chronic, worsening fatigue low blood pressure salt cravings dehydration hypoglycaemia — low blood sugar levels especially in children increased pigmentation of the skin, particularly around scars and bony areas irregular or no menstrual periods in women mood swings, mental confusion or loss of consciousness.
The hormone cortisol Cortisol is produced by the outer layer of your adrenal gland, called the adrenal cortex. Cortisol plays many vital roles and is essential to many body functions because it: works with adrenaline to help your body manage physical and emotional stress increases and influences your blood sugar levels works with the hormone insulin to maintain constant blood sugar levels reduces inflammation helps your body maintain a constant blood pressure helps the workings of your immune system.
The hormone aldosterone Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid, produced by the adrenal cortex. Causes of Addison's disease Around seven out of 10 cases of Addison's disease are caused by an autoimmune response, where the body's own immune cells attack and destroy the adrenal glands. Other conditions related to primary adrenal deficiency are: adrenomyeloneuropathy AMN — which can occur in some adults.
It affects the spine and is degenerative over time adrenoleukodystrophy ALD — occurs in one in , children, especially males. It can cause brain damage and can be fatal. Survivors often develop AMN. Causes of secondary adrenal insufficiency may include: glucocorticoid medications — inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma are often treated with prolonged or high-dose steroids glucocorticoid replacements.
If the dose is suddenly stopped, or not reduced by appropriate tapering measures, the pituitary gland may respond by failing to produce enough ACTH. This situation can sometimes be reversed Cushing's disease — a benign ACTH-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. This results in too much cortisol being produced. Treatment requires surgical removal of the tumour. The pituitary gland may take months to begin production of ACTH once the tumour has been removed other causes — infections, reduced blood flow, radiotherapy and some neurosurgery can damage the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, and decrease the ability to produce ACTH.
Treatment for secondary Addison's disease is with glucocorticoid cortisol replacement only. It may be caused by: illness — especially fever or gastroenteritis surgery interruption of adrenal hormone replacement medications. The symptoms of Addisonian crisis include: nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea dizziness when standing palpitations the feeling of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart pain in the abdomen, back and legs mental confusion and loss of consciousness.
Treatment of Addison's disease Treatment aims to correct the levels of hormones that your body is not producing. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No.
View all immune system. However, if you have Addison's disease, the adverse effects of high-dose glucocorticoids should not occur, since the dose you are prescribed is replacing the amount that is missing.
Make sure to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to make sure your dose is not too high. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon disorder that occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of certain hormones. More Information Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Adrenal glands Open pop-up dialog box Close. Adrenal glands Perched atop each of your kidneys, your adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and other essential functions.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Addison disease. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Oct. Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. Papadakis MA, et al. Endocrine disorders. Following the treatment plan your doctor creates is an important step in helping you live a productive life. Remember, always take your medications exactly as directed.
Taking too little or too much medication can negatively affect your health. Your treatment plan may need to be reevaluated and changed depending on your condition.
Many say our modern lifestyle wears out our adrenal glands, and swear adrenal extracts are the answer. Are they right or wrong?
A cortisol urine test measures the amount of cortisol in your urine. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, often in response to…. What is the difference between adrenal insufficiency and adrenal fatigue, and how are they treated? Glucocorticoids are chemicals that can stop inflammation. Low estrogen is typically seen in younger women and women approaching menopause. Learn how to identify the symptoms, what causes it, and more. An ALD test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone your blood.
Too much aldosterone can be an indicator of a variety of medical conditions. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are crucial to your heath, and a hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms like acne and weight gain.
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