Addison's Disease

Addison's disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands that leads to hormone deficiency. The pancreas is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of stress hormones, including cortisol, which is responsible for normal metabolism in humans and also allows us to successfully cope with stress. Addison's is a rare chronic disease that reduces levels of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. Therefore, when cortisol decreases, people experience weakness, fatigue, weight loss, darkening of the skin, depression, hyperpigmentation, muscle weakness and atrophy, and anemia. Patients can live with the disorder for up to several years, but after the disorder, the processes of disruption of the functioning of most organs and systems of the body progress very quickly and strongly. The central nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, and endocrine glands are most often affected.

Typically, adenoid deficiency is caused by diseases such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases, as well as tuberculosis of various organs. When the patient is aware of the examination and preparation of a course of adrenal hormone replacement therapy, the disease can practically not endanger normal life. However, treatment must be carried out as early as possible, and without waiting for the terminal stage, in order to avoid irreversible consequences. Often, patients die due to irreversible damage to other organs, when the cortisol edema no longer goes away and the patient becomes a blind, completely paralyzed, immobilized patient. Therefore, the main importance is the prevention of disease by hormonal correction and maintaining normal levels of corticosteroids. In order to diagnose Addison's disease, it is necessary to study the function of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, correct the production of thyroxine (thyroid hormone), and assess the reserves of water-salt metabolism. Early diagnosis helps to more effectively control the clinical picture of the problem and avoid negative manifestations in the functioning of the endocrine system. It is recommended to simultaneously take a blood test for cortisol and ACTH as essential hormones before starting treatment for Addison's disease.