Addison's Disease: What You Need to Know

Ever wonder why you feel constantly tired, dizzy, or crave salty foods? Those could be signs of Addison's disease, a condition where your adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones. It’s not super common, but when it shows up, the symptoms can mess with daily life. The good news is that doctors can diagnose it with simple tests, and treatment usually involves hormone replacement pills that keep you feeling normal again.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most common clues are fatigue, muscle weakness, and sudden drops in blood pressure that make you feel light‑headed when you stand up. You might also notice darkening of the skin, especially on scars or elbows, and a strong craving for salty snacks. Some people get nausea, vomiting, or even low blood sugar episodes. If you have any of these, it’s worth talking to a doctor who can run a blood test to check cortisol and ACTH levels.

Doctors also do a quick "ACTH stimulation test" where they give you a hormone shot and measure how your adrenal glands respond. If the response is weak, that points to Addison's disease. Imaging like a CT scan can show whether the glands look normal or if there’s another issue, like an infection or tumor, causing the problem.

Treatment and Managing Daily Life

Once diagnosed, treatment is usually straightforward: you’ll take synthetic cortisol (hydrocortisone) and sometimes a mineralocorticoid called fludrocortisone to keep blood pressure steady. Most people take these pills once or twice a day, and they feel a huge improvement within a week or two. It’s key to take them exactly as prescribed, because missing doses can lead to an adrenal crisis – a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.

Living with Addison's disease means paying attention to stress, illness, or intense exercise. During a fever or major surgery, your body needs more cortisol, so doctors often advise doubling your dose temporarily. Keep an emergency injection kit handy and wear a medical alert bracelet so first responders know what’s up.

Diet-wise, there’s no strict list, but a balanced diet with enough salt can help, especially if you’re on fludrocortisone. Stay hydrated, get regular sleep, and avoid abrupt changes in posture to keep dizziness at bay. If you’re traveling, bring extra medication and a copy of your prescription – it saves a lot of hassle.

Bottom line: Addison's disease is manageable with the right medication and a few lifestyle tweaks. Talk to your healthcare provider, follow the treatment plan, and you can lead a normal, active life.