Different patients may experience various symptoms of
Addison's disease. A person's symptoms will vary depending on:
- The hormones that are deficient
- The level of hormone deficiency
- Other stresses on the body.
Addison's disease symptoms generally begin gradually and may include
chronic fatigue that worsens over time, muscle weakness, low
blood pressure, and weight loss. Some patients may also experience darkening of the skin in both exposed and non-exposed parts of the body.
During an
addisonian crisis, more serious symptoms may occur. Symptoms of an addisonian crisis include sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs; severe vomiting and
diarrhea; and dehydration. If left untreated, an addisonian crisis can be fatal.
(Click Symptoms of Addison's Disease for a more complete list of possible Addison's disease symptoms and common signs and symptoms of an addisonian crisis.)
