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Overview
Addison's can cause tiredness and weight loss.
A crisis is an emergency.
When to get medical care
Call 911Severe weakness, vomiting, confusion, or fainting.
Get care todayDizziness or vomiting.
See a doctor soonSalt cravings or skin darkening.
Causes
Caused by adrenal gland problems.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause craving salt, or skin getting darker without sun. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
The adrenal glands don't make enough hormones.
What you can do at home
- Get checked.
Medicines
Hormone replacement.
At the doctor
Blood tests check cortisol.
Questions you may be asked
- Symptoms
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Cortisol test
Prevention
Early care.
- Get checked
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.