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Addison Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Addison Disease

Addison disease occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient hormones necessary for regulating blood pressure and responding to stress.

Overview

Your adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys. The outside layer of these glands makes hormones that help your body respond to stress and regulate your blood pressure and water and salt balance. Addison disease happens if the adrenal glands don't make enough of these hormones.

Causes

A problem with your immune system usually causes Addison disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, damaging your adrenal glands. Other causes include infections and cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue that gets worse over time
  • Low blood pressure
  • Patchy or dark skin

Management

Lab tests can confirm that you have Addison disease. If you don't treat it, it can be fatal. You will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life. If you have Addison disease, you should carry an emergency ID that states you have the disease, lists your medicines, and specifies how much you need in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure and fluid retention. If you have missed multiple doses or are feeling significantly unwell, contact your endocrinologist immediately, as prolonged lack of cortisol can lead to an adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Generally, people with Addison disease who are on stable, low-dose replacement therapy can receive most vaccines, including the flu shot, as their immune system is not suppressed in the same way as those on high-dose immunosuppressants. However, you should always consult your endocrinologist before receiving any new vaccine, especially live vaccines, to ensure your condition is stable. Your doctor may recommend timing the vaccination to avoid periods of high stress or illness, which could trigger an adrenal crisis.
Because your body cannot regulate salt and water balance effectively without aldosterone, you need to be more mindful of hydration and electrolyte intake. During hot weather or physical activity, you may need to increase your fluid and salt intake to prevent dehydration and low blood pressure. However, you should not drastically change your diet without consulting your doctor, as excessive salt can still cause complications. Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or dark urine, and keep electrolyte drinks handy for intense exercise.
n adrenal crisis is a medical emergency characterized by severe weakness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, and a sharp drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock. Other signs include abdominal pain and fever. In the emergency room, treatment involves immediate intravenous fluids to stabilize blood pressure and high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, to replace the missing hormone. It is critical to carry a medical alert bracelet and inform all healthcare providers that you have Addison disease so they can administer the correct treatment quickly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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