Addison's Disease: Quick Facts and What You Need to Know

If you’ve heard of Addison's disease but aren’t sure what it really means, you’re in the right place. It’s a condition where your adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones, especially cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. Those hormones help control blood pressure, blood sugar, and how your body handles stress. When they’re low, you can feel tired, weak, and a bit confused about what’s wrong.

Most people notice symptoms slowly. You might brush off the fatigue as just a busy day, but the feeling can get worse over weeks. Light‑headedness when you stand up, salty cravings, and darkening of the skin are other clues. If you ever get a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure, fever, or vomiting, that could be an adrenal crisis – a medical emergency that needs immediate help.

What Causes Addison's Disease?

There are a few main reasons the adrenal glands stop working right. The most common is an autoimmune attack, where your own immune system mistakenly destroys gland tissue. Infections like tuberculosis can also damage the glands, especially in parts of the world where TB is still common. Rarely, a bleed or tumor can knock out hormone production.

Genetics play a role too. Some families carry genes that make autoimmune problems more likely, and that can increase the risk of Addison's. Certain medications that suppress the immune system might trigger the condition in people already prone to it.

Knowing the cause helps doctors choose the right treatment plan. For autoimmune cases, they focus on replacing the missing hormones. If an infection is the culprit, treating that infection is the first step.

Managing Symptoms and Treatment

The backbone of treatment is hormone replacement. Most patients take a daily tablet of hydrocortisone or a similar steroid to stand in for cortisol. Some also need a mineralocorticoid like fludrocortisone to keep blood pressure steady and balance salt.

It sounds simple, but getting the dose right takes a few adjustments. Your doctor will check blood pressure, electrolytes, and how you feel to fine‑tune the medicine. It’s a good idea to keep a log of your energy levels, any dizziness, and how you’re sleeping. That info helps your doctor avoid giving you too much or too little.

During stress – surgery, a bad flu, or any serious illness – you’ll need to increase your steroid dose temporarily. This is called “stress dosing.” Many patients carry a small emergency kit with injectable hydrocortisone, just in case an adrenal crisis hits when they’re away from a pharmacy.

Living with Addison's also means paying attention to your diet. Most people do fine with a regular diet, but you should stay hydrated and replace salt if you sweat a lot or have a hot day. Some folks find a little extra salt helps keep blood pressure up, but talk to your doctor first.

Regular follow‑ups are key. Blood tests once or twice a year make sure your hormone levels stay in the right range. If you ever feel unusually tired, nauseous, or notice your skin getting darker, call your doctor – it could mean you need an adjustment.

Bottom line: Addison's disease is manageable with the right medication and a bit of daily awareness. By recognizing the signs early, staying on top of stress dosing, and keeping good communication with your healthcare team, you can lead a normal, active life.