Addison's Disease: Simple Facts, Common Signs, and Helpful Tips

If you’ve landed here, you probably want a quick, plain‑language rundown on Addison’s disease. It’s an adrenal gland problem that can feel scary, but knowing the basics makes it easier to handle.

What is Addison's Disease?

Addison’s disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, means your adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. Cortisol helps control stress, blood sugar, and inflammation, while aldosterone balances salt and water. When these hormones dip, everyday activities can feel extra tough.

The most common cause is an autoimmune attack, where your body mistakenly targets its own glands. Infections, bleeding, or certain drugs can also damage the adrenals. It’s rare – roughly 1 in 100,000 people – but because the symptoms are vague, it can be missed for years.

Typical signs include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. You might notice darker skin patches, especially on scars or joints. Low blood pressure that makes you feel light‑headed when you stand up is another clue. Some people also get salt cravings or salty‑tasting foods because aldosterone isn’t doing its job.

Because the symptoms overlap with many other conditions, doctors usually run blood tests to check cortisol, ACTH, and electrolytes. A rapid ACTH stimulation test is the gold standard: you get a hormone injection and the lab watches how your cortisol responds. Imaging like CT scans can see if the glands are shrunk or damaged.

Managing Your Condition

Once diagnosed, treatment is straightforward: replace the missing hormones. Most patients take a daily oral glucocorticoid such as hydrocortisone or prednisone. If aldosterone is low, a mineralocorticoid like fludrocortisone helps keep blood pressure steady.

The key is to take medication exactly as prescribed and never skip a dose. Stressful events – illness, surgery, or a big emotional blow – raise your body’s cortisol demand. In those moments, doctors usually advise a temporary increase in the steroid dose, often called “stress dosing.” Carry a medical alert bracelet and keep emergency injection kits handy.

Lifestyle tweaks also matter. Stay hydrated, especially on hot days, because low aldosterone can make you lose more salt. Eat a balanced diet with enough salt if your doctor says it’s safe. Regular exercise is fine, but listen to your body and avoid over‑exertion.

Follow‑up appointments every few months let your doctor adjust doses based on blood tests and how you feel. If you notice new symptoms – severe dizziness, vomiting, or confusion – treat it as a medical emergency. These could signal an adrenal crisis, a life‑threatening drop in cortisol that needs immediate injection and hospital care.

Beyond medication, support groups and online forums offer practical advice from people living with Addison’s disease. Talking about your experience can reduce anxiety and give you ideas for everyday coping.

Use this page as a hub to explore related articles on medication safety, hormone replacement tips, and how to handle emergencies. Knowing what to expect and having a solid plan makes Addison’s disease manageable, not a mystery.