- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
He's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Definition (1)
- Adrenal fatigue: What causes it?
Symptoms (1)
- Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease?
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Question
Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease?
My husband constantly craves salt. What causes this?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Salt craving can sometimes be caused by a serious underlying medical condition such as:
Adrenal inufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) can cause a salt craving that's new, persistent and excessive.
Signs and symptoms of Addison's disease include:
- Craving salt
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
Bartter syndrome
In some cases, salt craving is a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter syndrome.
Seek medical attention
Your husband's salt cravings should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if other symptoms are present. In the absence of Addison's disease or Bartter syndrome, eating too much salt isn't good for you because it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Adrenal fatigue: What causes it?
- Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.htm#symptoms. Accessed March 2, 2011.
- MacRae Dell K, et al. Bartter/Gitelman syndromes and other inherited tubular transport abnormalities. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed March 7, 2011.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 7, 2011.
- Who is at risk for high blood pressure? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhoIsAtRisk.html. Accessed March 2, 2011.
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