A condition where there is insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands.
More specifically, insufficient levels of cortisol and occasionally aldosterone are produced by the adrenal glands. Low cortisol levels at times of stress (fighting an illness, for example) can lead to a potentially fatal Addisonian crisis, which is characterized by low blood pressure.
The symptoms are generally non-specific and include weariness, nausea, skin discoloration, and lightheadedness when standing.
As part of treatment, hormones that the adrenal glands are unable to produce are replaced.
Symptoms
The symptoms are generally non-specific and include weariness, nausea, skin discoloration, and lightheadedness when standing.
Individuals could encounter:
Regions of pain: the muscles or abdomen
Whole body: perspiration, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, water-electrolyte imbalance, dizziness, fainting, exhaustion, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, or dehydration
Gastrointestinal: vomiting or nausea
Other common symptoms include not getting pregnant, having a salt craving, darkening of the skin, peeing too much, having weak muscles, having less sex desire, or losing weight.
What is Addison’s disease’s primary cause?
An autoimmune response, which happens when your immune system targets healthy tissues for an unidentified reason, is the most frequent cause of Addison’s disease. Your immune system targets the outer layer of your adrenal glands, known as the adrenal cortex, which is where cortisol and aldosterone are produced, when you have Addison’s disease.
Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy and medications that assist control symptoms are the forms of treatment.
As part of treatment, hormones that the adrenal glands are unable to produce are replaced.