Symptoms of Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder that affects the adrenal glands and their ability to produce hormones. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, darkening of the skin, cravings for salty foods, and mood changes.
Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common early symptoms of Addison's disease, and it can be both physical and mental. Affected individuals may experience a significant increase in fatigue, or they may find themselves feeling tired even after getting adequate rest.
Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness and pain are also common symptoms of Addison's disease, as the lack of hormones can cause the muscles to become weak and easily fatigued.
Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss is another common symptom of Addison's disease, as the body's metabolism can become slowed down due to the lack of hormones.
Low Blood Pressure: Low blood pressure is also a common symptom of Addison's disease, as the body's production of hormones can lead to decreased blood pressure.
Low Blood Sugar: Low blood sugar is another common symptom of Addison's disease, as the decreased hormone production can lead to decreased levels of glucose in the blood.
Darkening of the Skin: Darkening of the skin is also a common symptom of Addison's disease, as the lack of hormones can cause the skin to become darker in color.
Cravings for Salty Foods: Cravings for salty foods are also common in individuals with Addison's disease, as the lack of hormones can cause the body to crave salt as a means of compensating for the lack of hormones.
Mood Changes: Mood swings and other changes in mood are also common in individuals with Addison's disease, as the lack of hormones can lead to changes in the individual's emotional state.