addisson

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:54:33 +0000

Understanding Addison’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough critical hormones—primarily cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. These hormones play vital roles in regulating the body’s stress response, blood pressure, metabolism, and immune function. While Addison’s disease can be life-threatening if untreated, early diagnosis and proper management enable most people to lead healthy, active lives. ## What Is Addison’s Disease? Addison’s disease results from the adrenal cortex dismantling its hormone production. This destruction is typically caused by autoimmune dysfunction, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy adrenal tissue. Less commonly, infections (such as tuberculosis), cancer, or genetic conditions can lead to adrenal insufficiency.