A disorder in the body that is a result of it producing insufficient amounts of certain hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands is called Addison’s disease. This disease can occur at any age but is most common in people ages 30 to 50.

What are the signs and symptoms associated with Addison’s disease?

Some of the signs and symptoms are:

• Weakness in the muscles
• Fatigue
• Decrease in appetite
• Loss of weight
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Craving for salt
• Skin darkening
• Irritation
• Depression
• Diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting

The signs and symptoms in Addison’s crisis may include the following:

• Pain in the legs, lower back and abdomen
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe diarrhea and vomiting that may lead to dehydration

What are the causes of Addison’s disease?

To understand the causes of Addison’s disease, it would be appropriate to first understand the use of your adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are composed of two sections – the interior, which is known as the medulla, produces adrenaline-like hormones while the outer layer, also known as the cortex, produces a group of hormones that are called corticosteroids. These corticosteroids include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and the male sex hormones, also known as androgens.

Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, the two hormones that are essential for life are produced by the cortex. Thus when the cortex is damaged and does not produce its hormones in the required quantity, it gives rise to Addison’s disease. This usually happens because the body views the adrenal cortex as a foreign body and begins attacking it for unknown reasons.

Other Causes

• Tuberculosis
• Cancer that spreads to the adrenal glands
• Bleeding that occurs into the adrenal glands
• Insufficiency of the secondary adrenal
• Other kinds of infections in the adrenal gland

When should I visit a doctor?

It is advisable to visit a doctor if you lose weight unintentionally, feel weak and suffer from severe fatigue, have pain in your abdomen and your skin becomes dark.

What are the tests conducted to diagnose Addison’s disease?

When you first visit the doctor he/she will ask you about your medical history and the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. If he/she thinks that you may have Addison’s disease, he/she will ask you to undergo some of these tests:

The ACTH Stimulation Test

This test is used to measure the level of cortisol in your blood before and after an injection of synthetic ACTH. The ACTH sends signals to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Now if the adrenal glands are damaged then the ACTH stimulation test shows that the output of cortisol in response to the synthetic ACTH administered is nonexistent.

The Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia Test

In this test the blood sugar and cortisol levels are checked at various intervals after an injection of insulin is administered. If the glucose levels fall and cortisol levels increase, the person is considered healthy.

The Blood Test

This test is used to measure the blood levels of potassium, sodium, cortisol and ACTH as this information gives the doctor an initial indication of whether adrenal insufficiency is the cause of the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. This test is also used to measure antibodies that are associated with autoimmune Addison’s disease.

The Imaging Test

A computerized tomography (CT) scan may also be required in order to check the size of your adrenal glands as well as to look for any abnormalities that may give insight to the cause of the adrenal insufficiency.

What does the treatment for Addison’s disease include?

If Addison’s disease is diagnosed early, the doctor may begin the treatment by prescribing one or two hormones to replace the deficiency. If you are unable to retain oral medicines, the doctor may need to administer injections.

How do I cope with Addison’s disease?

• First of all you must carry a medical alert card and bracelet at all times because if you are incapacitated, the emergency personnel will know what kind of care your require.
• Next, remember to keep your medication with you all the time. You could also ask your doctor to prescribe a needle, syringe and an injectible form of the medicine to carry with you in case of an emergency.
• Last by not the least, always stay in touch with your doctor in case you have any problems with the medications.