Addison’s

Disease
Dexter Dawson
Symptoms
- Extreme Fatigue and lack of energy
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Hyperpigmentation
- Low blood pressure (and fainting)
- Hypoglycemia
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Abdominal Pain
- Depression
- Irritability
Possible Treatment
Corticosteroid treatment is the most
common for this condition. It is taken for
life and replaces the hormones cortisol
and aldosterone.
Hydrocortisone is also another medicine
which can help to replace cortisol.
Fludrocortisone is another drug which
can replace aldosterone.
Causes Life Expectancy
The lack of adrenaline, is caused by the The life expectancy for a woman with this
underproduction of cortisol and too little condition is on average around 3 years lower
aldosterone. than standard at 76 years.

This can be caused by damage to the adrenal

glands located on top of the kidneys.
The life expectancy of a man with Addison’s
This can be caused also by autoimmune disease is around 64.8 years which is roughly
disease when the body attacks itself. 11 years lower than the standard.

Tuberculosis, other infections, and cancers can

cause addison’s disease.
Fun Facts
- Cortisol is the stress hormone and is responsible for increasing blood pressure, controlling blood
sugar, reducing inflammation and metabolism.

- Aldosterone is a hormone which maintains the balance of minerals in the bloodstream like sodium
and potassium. This is why people with this condition tend to crave salty foods.

- Women aged 30-50 are the most susceptible to Addison’s disease.

- In developed countries, around 300 in 140 million people develop Addison’s disease.

- People with Addison’s disease have a lower exercise capacity and take longer to recover after
exercising.
Complications
- Adrenal crisis is a complication which can develop from
Addison’s disease and can result in death. This is
because in times of illness, injury or surgery the lack of
cortisol being released can cause life threatening low
blood sugar, and pressure.
- Hyponatremia is a complication which can develop from
the low aldosterone, resulting in dangerously low levels of
sodium in the blood. This can cause muscle twitches and
seizures.
- Hyperkalemia is another complication which can develop
from too much potassium. If serious enough it can be life
threatening and can make the heart beat in a rhythm
which is unhealthy and unsustainable.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350293

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/addisons-disease/treatment/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19011006/

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01657123

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/underactive-adrenal-glands--addisons-di
sease

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease/d
efinition-facts
Image 1: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/adrenal-gland
Image 2: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-a-Corticosteroid.aspx
Image 3: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11470174023736771/
Image 4: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/medical-care-in-emergency-rooms