Addison's disease
General
Addison's disease is an endocrine condition that can also be known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism. In this disease, the adrenal glands are damaged, causing not enough corisol and aldosterone to be produced. These are 2 very important hormones within the body [1]
Hormones involved in Addison's disease
Aldosterone
A hormone secreted by the adrenal coretex which is used to regulate sugar and water balance [3]. By regulating sodium homeostasis, it allows management of blood volume and pressure. Hypotension and circulatory shock in infancy can be caused by not enough aldosterone secretion.
Corisol
A steroid hormone that is made in the adrenal glands and transported around the body by the blood, therefore is part of the endocrine system. It is often used to regulate metabolism and act as an anti-inflammatory. The levels of this hormone are at their highest in the morning and continue to drop during the day. It's levels are regulated by a negative feedback loop [2].
Symptoms
There are different initial and later symptoms of Addison's disease [1].
Initial symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Irritability/low mood
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
Later symptoms:
- Low blood pressure when standing up (fainting)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle cramps
- Potential depression
- Irregular periods in women
References
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/addisons-disease/ REF