The two outer layers of cells in the adrenal glands, known as the adrenal cortex, do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone in people with Addison’s disease. These two hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, are not made to adequate levels, which leads to the symptoms of typical Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. Fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and pigmentation changes in the skin are the main complaints. Some
Addison’s disease patients may also experience changes in behavior and mood. Deficient water concentrations in the body (dehydration) can result from increased water excretion and low blood pressure (hypotension). A deadly illness is an abrupt adrenal failure, Addison’s disease symptoms often come on gradually, but occasionally they can come on quickly. Most of the time, Addison’s disease is brought on by the body’s immune system wrongly attacking the adrenal glands, gradually weakening the adrenal cortex.
Addison’s disease symptoms
Early Addison’s disease symptoms resemble other, more prevalent medical diseases, like clinical depression or the flu.
You might encounter:
- Weariness is a lack of motivation or energy
- Muscular tremor
- Depression, appetite loss, and unintended weight loss
- Heightened thirst
These issues could worsen with time, and you could develop additional symptoms like fatigue, cramping, dizziness, and fainting. Additionally, you could get discolored gums, lips, or small patches of skin. It would help if you visited a GP so that these symptoms could be examined, even though Addison’s disease is not usually the cause.
Addison’s disease medication
Corticosteroid (steroid) replacement therapy is frequently used as a form of treatment. Aldosterone and cortisol, which your body no longer generates, are replaced by corticosteroid medications. Two or three times a day, it is often taken as a tablet.
The cortisol is typically replaced with a drug called hydrocortisone. Prednisolone and dexamethasone are additional potential medications, albeit they are less frequently used. Fludrocortisone, a medication, is used to replace aldosterone. Additionally, if you take enough fludrocortisone medication, your doctor may advise against adding more salt to your diet. Unlike most individuals, you should eat something salty if the impulse strikes.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that some people use to increase their stamina or libido (sex desire). Because it is a food supplement, it cannot be obtained by prescription; it is sold at pharmacies and health food stores. Speak to your GP if you suffer symptoms that you think could be helped by DHEA. They can set up blood tests and suggest the ideal dosage for you. Most Addison’s disease medications have no adverse effects unless your dose is excessively high. There is a danger of side effects like mood swings, sleeplessness, and weaker bones (osteoporosis) if you take a higher amount than is recommended for a prolonged period.
Rules for sick days
You can get advice on “sick day rules” from your endocrinologist. It would help if you did this to maintain healthy during stress, illness, or injury. An adrenal crisis could occur if your dose is not increased at these times. Your body responds better to extra doses. The ADSHG suggests that you always keep three months’ worth of your necessary steroid medication on hand. This is in case you need to up your dosage to adhere to your sick day policies or to make up for a possible drug shortage.
