Addison’s Disease Signs and Symptoms
Addison’s Disease is a fairly rare autoimmune disorder, affecting about one in every 100,000 people in the United States. It occurs equally among men and women, and the onset is typically between age thirty and fifty. In Addison’s disease, the adrenal cortex does not function properly, leading to high potassium levels, low blood pressure, severe dehydration, and low blood sugar. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease below.
Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addison’s Disease are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Poor appetite
- Intolerance to cold
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cravings for salt
- Hyperpigmentation in the sun-exposed areas of the skin
- Dizziness or fainting when standing up
- Heightened senses, such as small, taste and hearing
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
- Lack of menstrual periods
- Decreased sex drive
- Behavioral problems
- Difficulty thinking and concentrating
- White spots on the skin
- Decreased body hair
Acute Addison’s disease manifests with:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Shock
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- High fever
- Abdominal pain
- Coma
Diagnosis of Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a fairly rare condition, and a diagnosis should be made by an endocrinologist familiar with the condition. To diagnose Addison’s , a rapid ACTH test is given to measure before and after levels of cortisone and aldosterone. An abdominal CT scan may also be given, to measure changes in the adrenal glands. Thyroid irregularities may also show up in the bloodwork,either as elevated TSH levels and/or thyroid antibodies.
Recommended – Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Imbalances using Hair Tissue Analysis
 Hair Tissue Analysis Report |
We suggest getting a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to help you determine accurately what your body needs more of in terms of essential trace minerals and needs to eliminate in terms of toxic heavy metals and toxic mineral ratios. Toxic mineral ratios and toxic metal accumulation following long term or acute exposure can contribute greatly to degenerative conditions like Addison’s disease.
Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium all have important metabolic functions. However, too little or too much of any of these essential minerals can have an adverse affect on the human body and it’s ability to recover. How can a hair analysis help me achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health. |
| The dangers of exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum have been well documented over the years. Levels of heavy metals in the body can only be accurately measured using a hair tissue analysis or a chelation challenge test (which can be expensive and have serious side-effects). Blood or urine tests give information about your metal or mineral levels at the time of the test only.
Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted from your body – not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body. So blood and urine tests are like snapshots whereas a hair analysis is the video of your mineral retention. A hair analysis provides a biological profile of the past 2 – 3 months of intracellular activity revealing a unique metabolic world, which cannot be seen through most other tests. The hair mineral analysis gives you or your healthcare professional much-needed information about mineral deficiencies and chemical imbalances in your body, especially if you’re suffering from symptoms of any disease or disorder, including Addison’s disease. For FAQ’s about hair analysis, please click here. For an overview of what is covered in a comprehensive hair analysis report (by Trace Elements, Inc.), please click here. |
 Bar Graph Results |
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To purchase a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (by Trace Elements, Inc.) from Evenbetternow Natural Health Solutions, please click here. |
Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Addison’s Disease
Causes of Addison’s Disease
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Destruction of the Adrenal Gland by the Immune System
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Chronic Infections Like Tuberculosis or AIDS
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Prolonged Use of Steroid Medication
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Tumor Growth
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Viral Infections
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Pituitary Disease
Addison’s Disease Resources
General Patient Resources
- Addison’s Disease .net
Your premier Addison’s Disease Support resource with direct unsurpassed support, patient education and treatment modalities.
www.addisonsdisease.org
- Experience Project
Anonymously connect with people who share your experiences– like those who say ‘I Have Addison’s Disease’. Read hundreds of true stories, share your own story anonymously, get feedback and comments, chat in the discussion forum, help others, meet new friends, and so much more– all free.
http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Addisons-Disease/88948
- Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (UK)
Addison’s Disease Self Help Group (ADSHG) is the UK support group for men, women and children diagnosed with Addison’s Disease (or adrenal insufficency).
www.addisons.org.uk
- Thyroid-Info
Part of the Endocrine Resource Center, featuring information on Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperparathyroidism.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/endocrine/addisons-disease.htm
- US Department of Health and Human Services –Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
Features facts, treatment information, scientific conferences, support groups and clinical trials and research
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Condition/5740/Addisons_disease.aspx
- Better Medicine
Addison’s Disease Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.
http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/addisons-disease
- Dusty Hartman – Life With Addison’s Disease
Dusty has Addison’s Disease, a disease of the adrenal glands that when undiagnosed … Below you will find the Addison’s Support forum.
http://addisonssupport.com/
Medical Resources
- Mayo Clinic
Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this disorder of the adrenal glands.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361
- Web MD
Get a basic overview of Addison’s disease, a rare condition involving the adrenal glands and hormone production.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-addisons-disease-basics
- Medline Plus
A service of the US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000378.htm