Endocrinology and Endocrine System

Addison's Disease

Adrenal glands which cannot produce enough steroid hormones is known as Addison's Disease. It is also called primary adrenal insufficiency and hypocortisolism. It can see mostly in middle-aged persons.

Causes of Addison's disease can be categorized by the mechanism of Adrenal glands. Causes may be Adrenal destruction, Adrenal dysgenesis, Impaired steroidogenesis

Symptoms include skin darkening in certain areas of the body. It may occur with low blood pressure, vomiting, lower back pain, and loss of consciousness. Generally, symptoms are slow and with abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss. It can also trigger by stress, such as from an injury, surgery, or infection. Addison's disease is diagnosed by a few tests like blood tests, urine tests, and medical imaging.

Treatment for Addison's disease involves replacing the hormones which cannot produce by Adrenal glands. Oral medications are preferred. If symptoms are worse, an injection of absent hormone is recommended and people should carry a dose with them. Lifelong, steroid replacement therapy is required, with regular follow-up & other health problems. Some medications involve enzymes like steroid synthesis enzymes. If it is not treated, it may result in death. Individuals with Addison's disease and diabetes mellitus have a 4 times increase in mortality compared with individuals having only diabetes.

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