Understanding Addison’s Disease in the United States: Symptoms, Causes, and Living Well
Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious endocrine disorder that affects thousands of people across the United States. The condition occurs when the adrenal glands—small glands located on top of the kidneys—do not produce enough essential hormones, particularly cortisol and, in many cases, aldosterone. These hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and the body’s reaction to stress.
In the U.S., Addison’s disease is most commonly caused by an autoimmune response. In this situation, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal cortex, damaging its ability to produce hormones. Other less common causes include infections such as tuberculosis, certain cancers, genetic conditions, or bleeding into the adrenal glands. Although the disease can affect individuals of any age or gender, it is most frequently diagnosed in adults between 30 and 50 years old.
The symptoms of Addison’s disease often develop gradually, which can make early diagnosis challenging. Persistent fatigue is one of the most common signs. Individuals may also experience unexplained weight loss, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, and salt cravings. A distinctive symptom is hyperpigmentation—darkening of the skin—particularly in scars, skin folds, elbows, knees, and even inside the mouth. Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, diagnosis sometimes takes time.