Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)

Addison’s disease is a condition in which the body’s adrenal glands are unable to produce a sufficient amount of the cortisol and (usually) aldosterone hormones. The disorder usually comes on gradually over a period of months, and can occur in children as well as adults of both sexes. Typical symptoms may include a darkening of the skin, low blood pressure or low blood sugar, muscle/joint pains, salt cravings, weight loss, nausea, depression, high potassium, abdominal and lower back pain, and loss of body hair in women. Treatments for adrenal insufficiency include hormone replacement therapy via oral or injected corticosteroids.