Addison’s Disease and Adrenal Insufficiency Overview

What is Addison’s disease? What are the symptoms?

Written by Daniel J. Toft MD, PhD and Susan Spinasanta | Reviewed by Robert M. Sargis MD, PhD

Addison’s disease is a rare disorder that affects men and women of all ages. Addison’s
disease is also referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency develops
when your adrenal glandsdo not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. This can be due
to a problem within the adrenals (called Addison’s disease or primary adrenal insufficiency)
or due to a problem with the signal the brain sends to the adrenals instructing them to
make cortisol (called secondary adrenal insufficiency).
An important distinction for patients is that people with primary adrenal insufficiency
(Addison’s disease) usually don’t make enough of the hormone aldosterone; so in addition
to taking cortisol replacement, they also need aldosterone replacement. People with
secondary adrenal insufficiency are only low on cortisol. Cortisol and aldosterone are just
two of the more than 50 hormones the adrenal glands generate. One adrenal gland sits
directly above each kidney.

Adrenal Glands (Yellow areas)

Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency

Symptoms of Addison’s disease and secondary adrenal insufficiency may slowly develop
and progress. Common symptoms include:
• weakness
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• weight loss
• low blood pressure
• darkened skin (in the case of Addison’s disease)
• salt craving (in the case of Addison’s disease)
• dizziness upon standing
• depression
However, there are different causes of Addison’s disease that can influence the symptoms.

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/addisons-disease/addison-disease-adrenal-insufficiency-
overview