Addison Disease Center - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Endocrinologist Doctors for Addison DiseaseType of Physician: Endocrinologist What is a Endocrinologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrinology also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems. Specialty: Endocrinology Common Name: Endocrinologist Doctors in Grand Rapids * DeVos Pediatric Specialty Clinic  Endocrine Associates West Michigan  St Marys Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology  Endocrine Associates West Michigan  St Marys Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology  Center for Diabetes  Advantage Health Physicians Southwest  Zeeland Physicians  Healthcare Midwest Internal Medicine  MSU/KCMS Internal Medicine  Med Partners PLC  Mid-Michigan Physicians Internal Medicine Associates  Mid-Michigan Physicians Internal Medicine Associates  MSU Adult Medicine  MSU Healthteam Medicine Cardiology Dept  MSU Medical Specialties Grand Rapids, MichiganUpcoming Local Events2012-06-01
2012-06-02
2012-06-09
2012-06-09
2012-06-16
2012-06-24
2012-07-04
2012-07-21
2012-08-18
2012-09-22
Addison's DiseaseRead the Addison's Disease article » 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.
What is cortisol?Cortisol is normally produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. Scientists think that cortisol has possibly hundreds of effects in the body. Cortisol's most important job is to help the body respond to stress. Among its other vital tasks, cortisol:
How is cortisol regulated?Because cortisol is so vital to health, the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenals is precisely balanced. Like many other hormones, cortisol is regulated by the brain's hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, a bean-sized organ at the base of the brain. First, the hypothalamus sends "releasing hormones" to the pituitary gland. The pituitary responds by secreting hormones that regulate growth and thyroid and adrenal function, and sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. One of the... Recommended Reading Related to Addison's DiseaseHyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) » What is hyperkalemia?Hyperkalemia is common; it is diagnosed in up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. Fortunately, most patients have mild hyperkalemia (which is usually well tolerated). However, any condition causing even mild hyperkalemia should be treated to prevent progression into more severe hyperkalemia. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood (severe hyperkalemia) can lead to cardiac arrest and death. When not recognized and treated properly, severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%. Technically, hyperkalemia means an abnormally elevated level of potassium in the blood. The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Potassium levels between 5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L reflect mild hyperkalemia. Potassium levels of 6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L are moderate hyperkalemia, and levels above 7 mEq/L are severe hyperkalemia.
How does hyperkalemia affect t...Other Related Addison Disease ArticlesEmergency Contact for Grand Rapids
Nearby Grand Rapids Hospitals *Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus Saint Mary's Health Care Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Spectrum Health Kent Community Campus Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus Forest View Hospital Metro Health Hospital Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Zeeland Community Hospital Spectrum Health United Hospital Holland Hospital North Ottawa Community Hospital Pennock Hospital Ionia County Memorial Hospital & Health System Mercy Health Partners Mercy Campus  Allegan General Hospital  Mercy Health Partners Muskegon General Campus  Mercy Health Partners Hackley Campus  Sheridan Community Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Addison's Disease by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
6 articles-
Low Blood Pressure
- Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
-
Dizziness
- Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
-
Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium)
- Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include nausea, fatigue, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia may also cause no symptoms. Slow heartbeat and weak pulse are more serious symptoms. Causes of hyperkalemia include kidney dysfunction, medications, adrenal gland diseases, and potassium shifts. Treatment of hyperkalemia is dependant upon the cause.
-
Orthostatic Hypotension
- Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Causes of orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, anemia, medication, blood loss, low blood pressure, heat related illnesses and more. Treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause.
-
Graves' Disease
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Some of the symptoms of Graves' disease include hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping, enlarged thyroid, thinning of the skin or fine brittle hair. Causes of Graves' disease are thought to be multifactorial such as genes, gender, stress, and infection. Treatment for Graves' disease is generally medication.
-
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
- Premature ovarian failure (POS) is the cessation of normal functioning of the ovaries in women under the age of 40. Premature ovarian failure may be caused by follicle depletion or dysfunction. The most common symptom of premature ovarian failure are irregular periods. There is no "treatment" that will restore the ovarian function, but there are treatments that my relieve symptoms.
-
Low Blood Pressure
-
Medications
3 articles -
Procedures & Tests
1 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
2 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
2 articles -
Health News
1 articles -
Health Features
0 articles
