Addison's Disease

Addison's Diseases results from chronic adrenal insufficiency in cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens due to adrenal injury, tumor, or autoimmune disorder.

Effects of Addison's Disease include:

• Effects of insufficient cortisol:
  • Hypoglycemia due to less gluconeogenesis.
  • Insufficient gastric acid leading to GI disturbances and weight loss.
• Effects of insufficient aldosterone:
  • Hypotension.
    • Hyperkalemia due to no sodium/potassium exchange, leading to muscle weakness.
• Effects of decreased androgens:
  • Body hair redistribution.
• Hyperpigmentation in skin folds.

Addison's Diseases carries an increased risk of adrenal crisis during episodes of acute stress such as surgery or infection, or when suddenly halting glucocorticoid use.