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Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)
Addison's disease is when the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol (and often aldosterone). It causes tiredness, low blood pressure and can become a life-threatening crisis.
Causes & risk factors
- Autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands (commonest)
- Infections such as tuberculosis affecting the adrenals
- Abrupt withdrawal of long-term steroids
- Adrenal bleeding or removal
- Some cancers spreading to the adrenals
Common symptoms
- Severe tiredness
- Weight loss
- Darkening of the skin
- Dizziness on standing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Salt craving
- Low blood pressure
Tests & diagnosis
- Cortisol
- Sodium
- Potassium
- ACTH stimulation (Synacthen) test
- Blood sugar
Treatment & management
- Lifelong steroid hormone replacement (cortisol and often mineralocorticoid)
- Higher doses during illness, injury or surgery (sick-day rules)
- An emergency steroid injection kit and a medical alert card
- Regular endocrine review
- Never stopping the medicine suddenly
When to see a doctor urgently
- Collapse, severe vomiting, confusion or very low blood pressure — emergency (adrenal crisis)
- Ongoing tiredness, weight loss and dizziness
- Skin darkening with salt craving
- Any serious illness if you are on steroid replacement
Frequently asked questions
What is an adrenal crisis?
A sudden severe shortage of cortisol causing collapse, vomiting and dangerously low blood pressure. It is a medical emergency needing an immediate steroid injection and hospital care.
Do I need to change my steroid dose when sick?
Yes. During fever, infection, injury or surgery the dose is temporarily increased (sick-day rules). Your endocrinologist gives you a clear plan and an emergency kit.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.