Addison's disease in Humans

What is Addison’s disease? 

It is a primary adrenal insuffiency which happens when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone .

 Before we go into discussing Addison’s disease in humans, let us briefly look at the importance of the hormones which are depleted when someone has the disease. 

Cortisol

What does cortisol do? 

• ·         maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function
• ·         slow the immune system's inflammatory response
• ·         maintain levels of glucose-a form of sugar used for energy-in the blood
• ·         regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats

Aldosterone 

What does aldosterone do? 

• ·        maintain blood pressure , water and salt balance

Research has shown it affects one to four out of 100,000 people, in various age groups and both sexes.

Now let’s look at the effects it has on humans:

•     Unusually dark skin
•     Low blood pressure
•     Low body weight
•     Muscle weakness

In the later posts, we will be discussing why the disease has such effects on those who suffer from it.