Addison's Disease: What You Need to Know and What to Do

Addison's disease is when your adrenal glands don't make enough cortisol and often aldosterone. That sounds technical, but it explains the common signs: constant tiredness, low blood pressure, salt cravings, weight loss, and darkening skin in some people. Symptoms can build slowly, so people often blame stress or a bad diet. Knowing the typical patterns helps you get diagnosed sooner.

What causes it? Autoimmune damage is the most common cause in developed countries. Infections, some medications, or bleeding into the glands can also stop them from working. Long-term steroid use can hide the problem until the dose is cut, then symptoms appear quickly. If you have any of these risks, mention them when you see a doctor.

Diagnosis and tests

Your doctor will look at symptoms and run a simple blood test to check cortisol and ACTH levels. An ACTH stimulation test is the standard check: you get a dose of ACTH and your cortisol should rise. If it doesn't, that points to Addison's. Electrolytes and renin tests check aldosterone function. Imaging like a CT scan can find structural causes. Bring a list of symptoms and dates — the timeline helps the doctor a lot.

Treatment and practical tips

Treatment means replacing the hormones you're missing. Most people take hydrocortisone for cortisol and sometimes fludrocortisone for aldosterone. Dosing is individualized — your provider will adjust doses based on symptoms, blood pressure, and lab results. Take meds exactly as prescribed and never skip doses. If you feel sick with vomiting or can't keep pills down, seek emergency care fast because you can enter an adrenal crisis.

Learn "sick day rules": increase steroid dose during fever, infection, or after surgery. Carry a steroid card or wear medical ID jewelry that says you have adrenal insufficiency. Many patients keep an emergency injection of hydrocortisone and train someone close to give it if needed. Knowing how and when to use that injection can save your life.

Daily life tips: check your blood pressure regularly, watch your weight, and keep a small salt packet if your doctor advises extra sodium during hot weather or heavy exercise. Plan ahead for travel — bring extra meds, have prescriptions copied, and know local emergency numbers. Join a support group or online community to share practical hacks and stay motivated with treatment.

Follow-up and monitoring: expect regular blood tests to check hormone levels, electrolytes, and blood pressure. Your provider may adjust doses seasonally or with weight changes. If you're pregnant or planning pregnancy, tell your endocrinologist early — doses often change. Also review your meds yearly and check interactions, especially with blood thinners or diabetes drugs. Keep your team.

When to call for help: severe weakness, fainting, very low blood pressure, high fever, or repeated vomiting require emergency attention. Tell emergency staff you have Addison's — treatment is immediate IV steroids and fluids. With the right treatment plan and precautions, most people with Addison's live active, normal lives.