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Addison's disease

Symptoms of Addison's disease

Early-stage symptoms of Addison's disease are similar to other more common health conditions, such as clinical depression or flu. 

You may experience:

  • lack of energy or motivation (fatigue)
  • muscle weakness
  • low mood
  • loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
  • increased thirst

Over time, these problems may become more severe and you may experience further symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, cramps and exhaustion.

You may also develop small areas of darkened skin, or darkened lips or gums.

Although these symptoms are not always caused by Addison's disease, you should see a GP so they can be investigated.

Why it happens

Addison's disease is usually the result of a problem with the immune system, which causes it to attack the outer layer of the adrenal gland (the adrenal cortex), disrupting the production of the steroid hormones aldosterone and cortisol.

It's not clear why this happens, but it's responsible for 70% to 90% of cases in the UK.

Other potential causes include conditions that can damage the adrenal glands, such as tuberculosis (TB), although this is uncommon in the UK.

Treating Addison's disease

Addison's disease is treated with medicine to replace the missing hormones. You'll need to take it for the rest of your life.

With treatment, symptoms of Addison's disease can largely be controlled. Most people with the condition have a normal lifespan and are able to live an active life with few limitations.

But many people with Addison's disease also find they must learn to manage bouts of fatigue, and there may be associated health conditions, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

People with Addison's disease must be constantly aware of the risk of a sudden worsening of symptoms, called an adrenal crisis.

This can happen when the levels of cortisol in your body fall significantly.

An adrenal crisis is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

If you or someone you know has Addison's disease and is experiencing severe symptoms, they will need a hydrocortisone injection immediately, either injected by themselves or by a person who is with them.

Then call 999 for an ambulance, saying it's an "adrenal crisis" or "Addisonian crisis".

Early symptoms of Addison's disease include lack of energy, weakness, increased thirst and a low mood. The symptoms can get gradually worse over time.

Addison's disease is usually caused by a problem with your immune system.

Treatment for Addison's disease usually involves taking hormones to replace the ones not produced by your adrenal glands.

Related links

Addison's disease

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

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36,685 public posts

Digestive enzymes

Following a gastroscopy in Feb I’m still waiting on NHS advice for managing atrophic gastritis.I have Addisons Thyroid disease and PA.Had anyone taken these do they help with low stomach acid please?
Following a gastroscopy in Feb I’m still waiting on NHS advice for managing atrophic gastritis.I have Addisons Thyroid disease and PA.Had anyone taken these do they help with low stomach acid please?
davina70 profile image
davina70
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

My Addisons disease (adrenal insufficiency)

I am 59 later this month and in January this year I was diagnosed with Addisons disease. I've been in prednisolone oral tablets for the last 6/7 years to control my asthma. Every time I had a chest infection they would give me antibiotics and up my steroids.
I am 59 later this month and in January this year I was diagnosed with Addisons disease. I've been in prednisolone oral tablets for the last 6/7 years to control my asthma. Every time I had a chest infection they would give me antibiotics and up my steroids.
Tysonsmum profile image
Tysonsmum
in Thyroid UK

Palpitations

I’m seeing her next week should I ask for further bloods …any ideas please ..73 years old have Addisons Disease and Pernicious Anemia Thanks
I’m seeing her next week should I ask for further bloods …any ideas please ..73 years old have Addisons Disease and Pernicious Anemia Thanks
davina70 profile image
davina70
in Thyroid UK
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An endocrine specialist I don't know had me in recently for a cortisol curve test to determine if I still have Addisons disease. Conclude no

I have a cyst on my hypothalamus I think they are just trying to get me off meds £££. Gp now wants me to go back for more test. Short Synachthen Test/Baseline ACTH yet another trip all the way to Salford Royal. I am really not pleased with this. Has anybody else experienced this or can give me advice
I have a cyst on my hypothalamus I think they are just trying to get me off meds £££. Gp now wants me to go back for more test. Short Synachthen Test/Baseline ACTH yet another trip all the way to Salford Royal. I am really not pleased with this. Has anybody else experienced this or can give me advice
elvera profile image
elvera
in Thyroid UK

I need help sorting my meds and levels, please!?

As well as Hashimotos, I suffer from Addisons Disease, needless to say I suffered a couple of Addisons Crisis' during this last year, and right now I know my levels are way off because I am back to sleeping for days- literally!
As well as Hashimotos, I suffer from Addisons Disease, needless to say I suffered a couple of Addisons Crisis' during this last year, and right now I know my levels are way off because I am back to sleeping for days- literally!
Horsecrazylady79 profile image
Horsecrazylady79
in Thyroid UK

Addisons disease

Hello everyone. Still not much better, struggling walking due to weakness now. Going to get blood tests done next week for Addison’s disease. I have done blood tests for other auto immune diseases which came back negative but i with antibodies, is this normal?
Hello everyone. Still not much better, struggling walking due to weakness now. Going to get blood tests done next week for Addison’s disease. I have done blood tests for other auto immune diseases which came back negative but i with antibodies, is this normal?
Jirachi profile image
Jirachi
in Thyroid UK

Beginning of endocrine system failure?

Im a 23 year old male with exocrine pancreatic insuffiency, type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism (possible hashimotos), and now am diagnosed with addisons disease, im no longer producing testosterone and my pituitary is not working as well..
Im a 23 year old male with exocrine pancreatic insuffiency, type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism (possible hashimotos), and now am diagnosed with addisons disease, im no longer producing testosterone and my pituitary is not working as well..
RedsLIFE profile image
RedsLIFE
in Thyroid UK

If someone loves you, why won't they listen?

I have addisons disease which causes me to have anxiety and easily go into a panic. It all stems from having my pituitary gland removed due to a tumor that was growing on it. I have nothing to help regulate my stress.
I have addisons disease which causes me to have anxiety and easily go into a panic. It all stems from having my pituitary gland removed due to a tumor that was growing on it. I have nothing to help regulate my stress.
Deacon77 profile image
Deacon77
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Blood test results

Hi, following my recent post highlighting persisting symptoms of fatigue, nausea, blurred vision & short breath, being on 100mg of Teva Levothyroxine, please could comment on test results. Been referred back to Endocrinologist who discharged me last year…seem to be going in circles. Can only upload
Hi, following my recent post highlighting persisting symptoms of fatigue, nausea, blurred vision & short breath, being on 100mg of Teva Levothyroxine, please could comment on test results. Been referred back to Endocrinologist who discharged me last year…seem to be going in circles. Can only upload
Lotus77 profile image
Lotus77
in Thyroid UK

Another Change Of Meds

Hi warriors 💜💙 I'm in bad flare mode at the moment and my rheumy is changing my meds again. Stopping adalimumab injections (stopped methotrexate a while back) and they're trying me on Filgotinib Jyseleca 🤪 One good thing.. I'm on steroids for a while until things settle down 😁 Does anyone have a
Hi warriors 💜💙 I'm in bad flare mode at the moment and my rheumy is changing my meds again. Stopping adalimumab injections (stopped methotrexate a while back) and they're trying me on Filgotinib Jyseleca 🤪 One good thing.. I'm on steroids for a while until things settle down 😁 Does anyone have a
EnglishRose63 profile image
EnglishRose63
in NRAS

Bone marrow transplant

Hello, I am 60 years old. I have been struggling with AMN for over 35 years. I am wheelchair bound, but can still stand. My symptoms have been stable for many years. In a few weeks, I will be getting my first MRI in 30 years. I am afraid if the results are poor, I will have to get bone marrow transplant
Hello, I am 60 years old. I have been struggling with AMN for over 35 years. I am wheelchair bound, but can still stand. My symptoms have been stable for many years. In a few weeks, I will be getting my first MRI in 30 years. I am afraid if the results are poor, I will have to get bone marrow transplant
HenryW profile image
HenryW
in AMN EASIER

09:00am fasting Cortisol = 414nmol/L

Happy Easter everyone and hope you are having a lovely weekend. The sun is shining here (UK) this morning and so that always helps. In my previous posts - I mentioned that a private Endo thought that I may have adrenal suppression - based on symptoms. Low blood pressure and heart racing the main ones
Happy Easter everyone and hope you are having a lovely weekend. The sun is shining here (UK) this morning and so that always helps. In my previous posts - I mentioned that a private Endo thought that I may have adrenal suppression - based on symptoms. Low blood pressure and heart racing the main ones
Slosh profile image
Slosh
in PMRGCAuk

Patient Experiences on DTE

This is useful narrative paper on why how and when patients prefer NDT (DTE) over other therapies. It might have been posted before, but the journal is obscure. Downloadable paper: Patient Experiences and Perceptions Associated with the Use of Desiccated Thyroid Extract Freddy J. K. Toloza 1,2,
This is useful narrative paper on why how and when patients prefer NDT (DTE) over other therapies. It might have been posted before, but the journal is obscure. Downloadable paper: Patient Experiences and Perceptions Associated with the Use of Desiccated Thyroid Extract Freddy J. K. Toloza 1,2,
diogenes profile image
diogenes
in Thyroid UK

Esophageal thrush

I would be grateful for any information,I had an endoscope and was diagnosed with esophageal thrush I am on warfarin and all of the medication is contraindicated with warfarin.My GP is concerned as the consultant didn't recommend anything and yet it has to be treated as to leave it could be determental
I would be grateful for any information,I had an endoscope and was diagnosed with esophageal thrush I am on warfarin and all of the medication is contraindicated with warfarin.My GP is concerned as the consultant didn't recommend anything and yet it has to be treated as to leave it could be determental
charlie007 profile image
charlie007
in LUPUS UK

Please explain what MART is and Covid group

Was on top medium dose of ICS Seretide for years (till recently started tapering off due to adrenal insufficiency). 500 Fluticasone (equivalent 1000 Fostair beclamethasone ) per day Is that MART? Should I have been in a Covid group eg 6? Also have adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroid Feel like I was
Was on top medium dose of ICS Seretide for years (till recently started tapering off due to adrenal insufficiency). 500 Fluticasone (equivalent 1000 Fostair beclamethasone ) per day Is that MART? Should I have been in a Covid group eg 6? Also have adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroid Feel like I was
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Asthma Community Forum

Endo ZOOM appointment, Adrenal Insufficienccy or Mast Cell Activation

Hi all I just finished a zoom with a Dr Zachariah. Anyone know him. He practices from the Spire - Gatwick and another hospital too - I think Brighton. He thinks the low blood pressure, heart racing / wobbles is probably due to adreanl insufficiency / suppression. I am of the opinion that it could be
Hi all I just finished a zoom with a Dr Zachariah. Anyone know him. He practices from the Spire - Gatwick and another hospital too - I think Brighton. He thinks the low blood pressure, heart racing / wobbles is probably due to adreanl insufficiency / suppression. I am of the opinion that it could be
Slosh profile image
Slosh
in PMRGCAuk

Short Synacthen Test

My NHS endo has just offered me an SST. I've read a few posts on here which indicate that unless you have Addisons, it's not a particularly useful test. Is this the case, and would anyone who's had the test please give their experience. Many thanks.
My NHS endo has just offered me an SST. I've read a few posts on here which indicate that unless you have Addisons, it's not a particularly useful test. Is this the case, and would anyone who's had the test please give their experience. Many thanks.
Jamima profile image
Jamima
in Thyroid UK

Can I take my 112mg levothyroxine first thing in the morning and at the same time as my 5mg Felodipine? (Blood pressure tablets)

Hi everyone, I usually take my levothyroxine on its own at about midnight. However, I possibly now need to take sleep aid tablets at night, so I am thinking of changing times and taking my levothyroxine first thing in the morning instead. However, first thing in the morning I have to take my high blood
Hi everyone, I usually take my levothyroxine on its own at about midnight. However, I possibly now need to take sleep aid tablets at night, so I am thinking of changing times and taking my levothyroxine first thing in the morning instead. However, first thing in the morning I have to take my high blood
Rezzar profile image
Rezzar
in Thyroid UK

Endocrinologist and Hydrocortisone

Hello all After many months of waiting I finally got to see an Endocrinologist as I have been unable to reduce prednisolone below 3mg without feeling really ill and in fact have been on 4mg since November. My 9am cortisol test was in the 200s. I have a little stiffness in the usual places at times but
Hello all After many months of waiting I finally got to see an Endocrinologist as I have been unable to reduce prednisolone below 3mg without feeling really ill and in fact have been on 4mg since November. My 9am cortisol test was in the 200s. I have a little stiffness in the usual places at times but
Skodadet profile image
Skodadet
in PMRGCAuk

Cortisol test

I just got this test results from a 9am cortisol blood test. All usual pre test guidelines followed. It certainly doesn’t represent how I feel at 9am and I just wanted to ask - how reliable are these tests versus 4 point saliva tests?
I just got this test results from a 9am cortisol blood test. All usual pre test guidelines followed. It certainly doesn’t represent how I feel at 9am and I just wanted to ask - how reliable are these tests versus 4 point saliva tests?
Jamima profile image
Jamima
in Thyroid UK
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