Addison Disease
Also called: Adrenocortical hypofunction, Hypocortisolism, Primary adrenal insufficiency
Addison disease is a condition where your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, do not produce enough hormones. These hormones help your body respond to stress, regulate blood pressure, and balance water and salt. According to the NIH, if not treated, Addison disease can be fatal.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue that gets worse over time
- Low blood pressure
- Patchy or dark skin
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety (per a 2026 review)
Causes
According to the NIH, a problem with your immune system usually causes Addison disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, damaging your adrenal glands. Other causes include infections and cancer.
Diagnosis
According to the NIH, lab tests can confirm that you have Addison disease.
Treatment
According to the NIH, you will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life.
Lifestyle
- Carry an emergency ID that says you have the disease, lists your medicines, and says how much you need in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
What is Addison disease?
Addison disease is a condition where your adrenal glands don't make enough hormones that help your body respond to stress and regulate blood pressure and water and salt balance.
What causes Addison disease?
According to the NIH, a problem with your immune system usually causes it. Other causes include infections and cancer.
What are the symptoms of Addison disease?
Symptoms include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and patchy or dark skin. A 2026 review also notes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
How is Addison disease diagnosed?
According to the NIH, lab tests can confirm that you have Addison disease.
How is Addison disease treated?
According to the NIH, you will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life and carry an emergency ID.
Related conditions
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Addison Disease — NIH MedlinePlus
- Unmasking adrenal insufficiency: the overlooked role of gastrointestinal symptoms. — Am J Med, 2026
- Female fertility and pregnancy in autoimmune Addison's disease - a mini review. — Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2025
- Increased prevalence of negative pregnancy and fetal outcomes in women with primary adrenal insufficiency. A systematic review and meta-analysis. — Endocrine, 2024
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.