Addison Disease

Addison disease is a rare hormonal disorder that is caused by an inadequate production of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypoadrenocorticism, and hypocorticalism. Addison disease is usually the result of an autoimmune disease. Less frequently, Addison disease can be caused by tuberculosis, fungal infections, the spread of cancer cells to adrenal glands, amyloidosis, surgical removal of the adrenal glands, and failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS
Symptoms tend to begin gradually and include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar level and hyperpigmentation. Untreated, this illness can lead to shock and death.

The most specific test for diagnosing Addison disease is the ACTH stimulation test, in which levels of cortisol in the blood and urine are measured before and after a synthetic form of ACTH hormone is injected.

TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed at replacing the missing hormones with synthetic forms, such as the oral medication hydrocortisone. Fludrocortisone acetate is a medication taken when aldosterone, a hormone also made by the adrenal glands, is deficient.

Some researchers have found that people with certain diseases, including Addison disease are more likely to have inability to produce normal quantities of stomach acid which results in indigestion.

Dr. Galitzer recommends the following lifestyle changes to enhance adrenal function: exercise, eating regular meals, regular periods of relaxation including lying down during work beaks), going to bed early (sleep in on weekends), and regular laughter. He also recommends the following supplements: vitamin C (the highest concentration of vitamin C in the body is in the adrenal glands), vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid), magnesium, a licorice tincture or licorice tea.

Dr. Borkin adds that it is always necessary to treat the digestive system and the liver at the same time that the adrenals are treated, since dysfunction in either can cause serious chronic stress levels.


			Addison Disease Addison disease is a rare hormonal disorder that is caused by an inadequate production of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypoadrenocorticism, and hypocorticalism. Addison disease is usually the result of an autoimmune disease. Less frequently, Addison disease can be caused by tuberculosis, fungal infections, the spread of cancer cells to adrenal glands, amyloidosis, surgical removal of the adrenal glands, and failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). SIGNS and SYMPTOMS Symptoms tend to begin gradually and include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar level and hyperpigmentation. Untreated, this illness can lead to shock and death. The most specific test for diagnosing Addison disease is the ACTH stimulation test, in which levels of cortisol in the blood and urine are measured before and after a synthetic form of ACTH hormone is injected. TREATMENT Treatment is aimed at replacing the missing hormones with synthetic forms, such as the oral medication hydrocortisone. Fludrocortisone acetate is a medication taken when aldosterone, a hormone also made by the adrenal glands, is deficient. Some researchers have found that people with certain diseases, including Addison disease are more likely to have inability to produce normal quantities of stomach acid which results in indigestion. Dr. Galitzer recommends the following lifestyle changes to enhance adrenal function: exercise, eating regular meals, regular periods of relaxation including lying down during work beaks), going to bed early (sleep in on weekends), and regular laughter. He also recommends the following supplements: vitamin C (the highest concentration of vitamin C in the body is in the adrenal glands), vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid), magnesium, a licorice tincture or licorice tea. Dr. Borkin adds that it is always necessary to treat the digestive system and the liver at the same time that the adrenals are treated, since dysfunction in either can cause serious chronic stress levels.