Management and Treatment of Addison’s Disease

Written by Theresa Lowry-Lehnen (PhD), CNS, GPN, RNP, South East Technological University

Addison’s disease (AD), often referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, is a rare endocrine disorder which occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and in some cases aldosterone. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, hypotension, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and non-exposed areas of the body. It affects about 1 in 100,000 people, occurs in all age groups, but usually individuals aged 30-50 years and affects men and women equally. In rare cases, Addison’s disease has been noted to occur in families suggesting a genetic predisposition to developing the disorder.