When the adrenal glands of the body do not produce sufficient amount of hormone called cortisol/aldosterone it causes Addison’s disease. This manifests in the form of loss of weight, muscular weakness, tiredness and low blood pressure. This disease is otherwise known as hypocortisolism. It can occur in both sexes and on any individual. The symptoms can be fully controlled by effective replacement of hormone therapy.
Symptoms :
Addison’s disease progresses slowly and for some people it may take months or even years to show its symptoms. Some of the signs of this disease include skin darkening, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, low blood sugar and low blood pressure. Some people may even faint suddenly due to reduced blood pressure. It can also cause irritability, nausea, joint pain and depression. In women there can be loss of body hair and sexual dysfunction due to suppression of hormone.
In rare cases, the symptoms would appear suddenly causing severe vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of consciousness. It would also reduce the salt content in the body and this condition is called acute adrenal failure. If you have fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and craving for salt then you need to consult doctor immediately.
Causes :
Addison’s disease is caused by improper functioning of adrenal glands. These glands are found above your kidneys and are responsible for producing aldosterone and cortisol hormone. This gland is part of endocrine system and controls every organ and tissues in your body.
Corticosteroids are secreted by the outer layer of the gland called cortex and adrenaline hormone is secreted by interior layer called medulla. The cortex region also produces gluco-corticoids (responsible for converting the food substances into energy), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone which controls the sodium and potassium levels in your body thus maintaining the blood pressure) and androgens (male sex hormone). Androgen hormone is responsible for sex drive and builds up muscle mass in the body for both men and women.