Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)

Overview

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's) is usually autoimmune.

Stopping long-term steroids suddenly can also cause it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiredness and weight loss
• Craving salt, or skin getting darker without sun

Less common

• Dark skin
• Salt craving
• Nausea
• Dizziness on standing

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Losing weight without trying

When to get medical care

Causes

Autoimmune, steroid withdrawal.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Cortisol:

Treatment

Take replacement daily.

Self-care

• Wear medical ID
• Double doses when sick if told
• Carry an emergency injection kit
• Follow sick-day rules

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People on long-term steroids: Never stop suddenly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What should I do on sick days?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)