Symptoms of Addison's Disease

In many cases, Addison's disease symptoms begin gradually and may include problems such as chronic fatigue, weight loss, and nausea. Other signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, depression, and craving salty food. During an addisonian crisis, a person may experience severe symptoms, such as penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs; severe vomiting and diarrhea; and dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms of Addison's Disease: An Overview

Given the importance of adrenal gland hormones, people with Addison's disease can have a number of different symptoms. The symptoms a person with Addison's disease experiences will be affected by:
 
  • The hormones that are deficient
  • The level of hormone deficiency
  • Other stresses on the body.
     

Common Symptoms

Addison's disease symptoms usually begin gradually. Common symptoms of this condition include:
 
  • Chronic fatigue that progressively worsens
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
     

Other Addison's Disease Symptoms

Other possible symptoms include:
 
  • Low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting
     
  • Irritability
     
  • Depression
     
  • Irregular menstrual periods
     
  • Craving salty foods
     
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) symptoms, including sweating, nausea, palpitations, and anxiety
     
  • Skin changes with areas of hyperpigmentation, or dark tanning, covering exposed and non-exposed parts of the body. This darkening of the skin is most visible on scars, skin folds, pressure points (such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes), lips, and mucous membranes.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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