Addison's disease

Updated: 2024-11-21

Description

A rare condition that happens when the body doesn't make enough of certain hormones.

Overview

With Addison's disease, the adrenal glands make too little of the hormone cortisol. Often, they also make too little of another hormone called aldosterone. Without treatment, the condition can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Addison's disease symptoms can include extreme tiredness, weight loss, stomach pain, darkened areas of skin and a salt craving. Symptoms that need emergency treatment include serious weakness, terrible pain and loss of consciousness.

Treatments

Addison's disease treatment involves taking lab-made hormones to replace the hormones that the body doesn't make enough of. Getting enough sodium in the diet also is key, especially during heavy exercise and in hot weather.