Addison's Disease

• What is Addison's disease?
• How does Addison's disease occur?
• What is cortisol?
• How is cortisol regulated?
• What is aldosterone?
• What causes Addison's disease?
  • Primary adrenal insufficiency
  • Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome
  • Tuberculosis
  • Other causes
  • Secondary adrenal insufficiency
• What are the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease?
• How is Addison's disease diagnosed?
• How is Addison's disease treated?
  • Surgery
  • Pregnancy?
• Patient education
• For more information
• Related Addison's disease articles:
  Addison's disease - on WebMD

What is Addison's disease?

Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body.

How does Addison's disease occur?

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

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