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Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are 2 small glands that sit one on top of each kidney. The outer layer (cortex) produces 2 essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone. (The inner layer – medulla – produces adrenaline.)
Cortisol and Aldosterone are both hormones.
Cortisol:
Manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Suppresses inflammation
Regulates blood pressure
Controls the sleep/wake cycle
Boosts blood sugar to help handle stress, and restores balance afterward
Aldosterone:
Keeps sodium and potassium ions in balance
Regulates the water content of the body, helping control blood pressure
The adrenal gland is damaged in Addison's disease, so it does not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, and it is this lack that causes the signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease. These can include fatigue, nausea, weakness, thirst, and when very severe - i.e. an "adrenal crisis" - hypotension, hypoglycaemia, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy for life. Corticosteroid medications are used to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone that the body no longer produces. They are usually taken in tablet form 2 or 3 times a day.
About 8,400 people in the UK have Addison's disease. It can affect people of any age, although it's most common onset is between the ages of 30 and 50. It's also more common in women than men.
Key Points
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Addison's disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency.
The adrenal glands produce essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone.
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