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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffAddison's disease symptoms usually develop slowly, often over several months, and may include:
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Low blood pressure, even fainting
- Salt craving
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
- Muscle or joint pains
- Irritability
- Depression
- Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women
Acute adrenal failure (addisonian crisis)
Sometimes, however, the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease may appear suddenly. In acute adrenal failure (addisonian crisis), the signs and symptoms may also include:
- Pain in your lower back, abdomen or legs
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- High potassium (hyperkalemia)
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that commonly occur in people with Addison's disease, such as:
- Darkening areas of skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Severe fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Salt cravings
- Muscle or joint pains
Your doctor can help determine whether Addison's disease or some other medical condition may be causing these problems.
References
- Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Health and Kidney Disease. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.aspx. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Chakera AJ. Addison disease in adults: Diagnosis and management. The American Journal of Medicine. 2010;123:409.
- McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. 51st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=1. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Nieman LK. Clinical manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Adrenal diseases — Addison's disease. National Adrenal Diseases Foundation. http://www.nadf.us/diseases/addisons.htm. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Nieman LK. Treatment of adrenal insufficiency in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Nieman LK. Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency in adults (Addison's disease). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Nieman LK. Diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency in adults (Addison's disease). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 18, 2012.
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