Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, is an endocrine disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, enough of the hormone aldosterone. It is a rare but serious disorder that requires lifelong treatment and follow-up care.
In order to detect Addison’s disease, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s medical history. They may also order blood tests to measure the levels of cortisol and aldosterone in the body. Other tests that may be used include a 24-hour urine test, a CT scan or an MRI of the adrenal glands, and an ACTH stimulation test.
The physical exam typically includes an assessment of the patient’s skin, which may be darker than usual due to the lack of cortisol in the body. Other signs that may indicate the presence of Addison’s disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and salt cravings.
If the doctor suspects Addison’s disease, they may order blood tests to measure the levels of cortisol and aldosterone in the body. If these levels are too low, then the doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include a 24-hour urine test to measure the levels of cortisol and aldosterone in the body over a 24-hour period, a CT scan or an MRI of the adrenal glands, and an ACTH stimulation test to measure the body’s response to the hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone.
Once Addison’s disease is diagnosed, the patient will typically need to take medication to supplement the hormones that their body is not producing. In addition, patients may need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from illness and injury, as their weakened immune system can make them more susceptible to these conditions.
