The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)

Chronic condition in which the adrenal glands cannot produce cortisol and aldosterone.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)?

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is the inadequate production of glucocorticoid (cortisol), mineralocorticoid (aldosterone), and adrenal androgens due to destruction of the cortex of both adrenal glands. In developed countries, the most common cause is autoimmune adrenalitis (80-90%).

Cortisol deficiency leads to fatigue, weight loss, and hypoglycemia; aldosterone deficiency leads to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypotension. The compensatory rise in ACTH causes hyperpigmentation of skin and mucosa via the MSH effect.

Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency that may lead to shock, loss of consciousness, and death. It is vital that patients increase their glucocorticoid dose during stressful situations (infection, surgery, trauma).

Symptoms

Chronic fatigue and weakness
Hyperpigmentation (palmar creases, gums, dermal folds)
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Orthostatic hypotension
Salt craving
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Risk Factors

Other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, type 1 DM, vitiligo)
Tuberculosis (most common cause in developing countries)
Bilateral adrenalectomy or adrenal metastasis
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Family history of autoimmune disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If chronic fatigue, weight loss, and skin darkening are present
  • If orthostatic hypotension and salt craving develop
  • If a known Addison's patient needs dose adjustment during stress
  • Signs of adrenal crisis: severe hypotension, vomiting, altered consciousness (emergency)

Treatment Methods

01
Hydrocortisone (divided into 2-3 daily doses with the highest in the morning)
02
Fludrocortisone (mineralocorticoid replacement)
03
Stress doses (dose increased 2-3 fold during illness or surgery)
04
Carrying an emergency injection kit (IM hydrocortisone for adrenal crisis)
05
Wearing a medical ID bracelet/necklace

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Thyroid Nodule Evaluation

Endokrinoloji

Thyroid nodules are very common and the vast majority are benign; however, fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be required based on ultrasound features for malignancy risk assessment.

Management of Graves' Disease

Endokrinoloji

Graves' disease is the most common cause of autoimmune hyperthyroidism, developing with excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating antibody (TRAb).

Management of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Endokrinoloji

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, due to autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland with anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.

Cushing Syndrome Diagnostic Workup

Endokrinoloji

Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder presenting with central obesity, striae, hypertension, and metabolic disturbances due to chronic glucocorticoid excess; its diagnosis is challenging.

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Endokrinoloji

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors that secrete excess catecholamines, causing paroxysmal hypertension, headache, sweating, and palpitations.

Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)

Endokrinoloji

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a treatable cause of resistant hypertension and hypokalemia caused by excessive aldosterone secretion from the adrenal gland.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Hypopituitarism

Endokrinoloji

Hypopituitarism is a deficiency of pituitary hormone production that leads to multiple endocrine organ failures and requires lifelong hormone replacement.

Acromegaly

Endokrinoloji

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disease, usually caused by a pituitary adenoma, characterized by excess growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1, leading to enlargement of the hands, feet, and face along with organ damage.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.