Addison’s disease

Definition

Addison's disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. This deficiency can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Addison's disease results in insufficient production of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone).
2. The primary treatment for Addison's disease involves hormone replacement therapy using synthetic glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
3. Patients with Addison's disease often require lifelong medication management to maintain adequate hormone levels.
4. Symptoms of Addison's disease can include hyperpigmentation of the skin, weight loss, and salt cravings due to aldosterone deficiency.
5. Addisonian crisis is a severe complication that can occur if the condition is left untreated, leading to shock and potentially life-threatening situations.

Review Questions

• What hormones are primarily deficient in a patient with Addison's disease?
• How is Addison's disease typically treated in terms of pharmacological intervention?
• What are some common symptoms associated with Addison's disease?

Related terms

Cortisol:

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex involved in stress response and metabolism regulation.

Aldosterone:

A mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium and potassium balance.

Adrenal Cortex:

The outer region of the adrenal glands responsible for producing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgenic steroids.