Addison's Disease - What To Expect

The adrenal glands are divided into two sections: the inner layer or the medulla that produce the adrenaline hormones and the outer layer or the cortex that produces vital hormones like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and androgens. When the cortex is damaged these hormones are produced in a lesser amount. The cortex can suffer damage owing to autoimmune disorders whereby the immune system considers the healthy tissues and organs to be foreign and attacks them mistakenly and indiscriminately. Primary adrenal insufficiency can also be caused due to tuberculosis, infections, cancer or internal bleeding in the adrenal glands.

The inadequate production of the vital hormones that the cortex of the adrenal glands produce need to be compensated by oral consumption of corticosteroids or infusion of corticosteroids into the bloodstream. The doctor might also recommend sodium supplements. Often intravenous injections are given to serious patients. These include Hydrocortisone, Saline solution, Sugar solution.

Damage of the pituitary gland can lead to a condition called secondary adrenal insufficiency. This happens when the pituitary gland produces an insufficient amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH, which triggers the cortex to produce its individual hormones. When the level of ACTH diminishes, the level of hormones produced by the cortex also goes down, thereby leading to the development of various disorders.

The symptoms of Addison s disease develop gradually and not overnight. It is just that most of the people address an issue when the abnormal changes start causing severe difficulties. Some of the signs of this disease are low blood pressure, fatigue, frequent infections and decreased libido among others. If you observe these symptoms, consult your physician immediately.