Addison’s Disease

Addison’s Disease is a rare autoimmune disease that affects your adrenal glands which sit above your kidneys. Addison’s Disease affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people and is most commonly diagnosed in your 30’s. When diagnosed with Addison’s Disease your adrenal glands produce little or none of the hormone cortisol and often aldosterone. Adrenal insufficiency causes your body to lose its ability to respond to stress and maintain essential life functions. These hormones regulate your blood pressure, immune response, produce your fight or flight response, and metabolism. The most common symptoms of Addison’s Disease are extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, nausea, abdominal pain, hyperpigmentation of skin and loss of appetite.