Topic: Living with Addisons Disease

What Is Addisons disease?

Addisons disease is an autoimmune disorder that decreases the amount of

hormones in your body. This occurs because the bodies immune system
views the adrenal gland as an intruder thus attacks it resulting in decreased
amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. The cause of this disease is still not
completely understood. However, scientist believe its cause has to do with a
combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Who is Affected?
About 1 in every 100,000 people in the United States are effected. It
generally affects both male and female equally in all age groups, but most
commonly in adults between 30 and 50.

What treatment/medication is available

- Hormone therapy
Hydrocortisone- to replace cortisone
15-25mg a day (tablets)
Fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone
50-200mcg a day (tablets)

How will this affect my daily life?

-No restrictions
-Regular diet
- Normal with exercise
-Can still have children
- May experience fatigue

What kind of side effects/ symptoms will I experience?

-Gastric irritation from hydrocortisone medication
- have glass of milk before dosing
- May be at risk of other endocrine disorder
- hypothyroidism

Having regular appointments with endocrinologist