Addison's disease
Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency
Autoimmune conditionThe immune system damages the adrenal glands, so they can't make enough cortisol and aldosterone. It's rare but serious, and different from everyday stress-related fatigue.
For education only — this guide can't diagnose you. If these signs sound familiar, talk with a healthcare provider. Book a consult
What happens
Cortisol helps regulate energy, blood pressure, blood sugar, and your response to stress, and aldosterone balances salt and water. In Addison's disease, symptoms build slowly as the adrenal glands fail. A stress such as an infection, surgery, or injury can then trigger an adrenal crisis, which is a medical emergency.
Who gets it
Addison's disease is rare. It's more common in women and often appears between ages 30 and 50, frequently alongside autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or vitiligo.
Signs worth getting checked
- Deep fatigue and muscle weakness
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Salt cravings
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Darkening of the skin, especially in creases, scars, and gums
- Low mood or irritability
Labs to ask about
- Early-morning cortisol and ACTH
- ACTH stimulation test
- 21-hydroxylase (adrenal) antibodies
- Sodium, potassium, and renin
Treatments your doctor may discuss
- Lifelong replacement of cortisol (usually hydrocortisone) and often fludrocortisone
- 'Sick-day rules' for taking extra medicine during illness
- An emergency injection kit and a medical ID
Supportive steps to discuss with your provider
- Adrenal symptoms overlap with burnout. Salt cravings, darkening skin, and dizziness when standing need medical testing, not just stress support.
- Never stop steroid medicine suddenly.
- Bring your sick-day plan with you when traveling.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Severe vomiting, confusion, fainting, or severe abdominal pain: call 911 (possible adrenal crisis)
- Darkening skin together with fatigue and weight loss
- Dizziness on standing with salt cravings
Related conditions
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.