Addison's disease is the result from an insufficient amount of hormones that are secreted from the adrenal glands - not enough cortisol and an insufficient amount of aldosterone.
Causes:
The main cause of Addison's Disease is damage to the adrenal glands. (More info in "General Pathophysiology")
Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms of Addison's Disease includes, but are not limited to muscle weakness and fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite, darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation),l ow blood pressure, even fainting, salt craving, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, muscle or joint pains, irritability, depression, body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women.
Diagnosis:
There are several ways to diagnose Addison's Disease:
- Blood Test
- ACTH Simulation Test
- Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia Test
- Imaging Test
- Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
General Pathophysiology:
The adrenal gland is composed of both the medulla and the cortex. Addison's disease causes these two sections of the adrenal gland to not function properly; the amounts of hormones secreted from these sections does not suffice correct bodily functions.