Although we can’t be certain of the cause, we do understand how Addison's Disease affects the body. The hormone cortisol is a stress management tool, helping the body respond when injured, stressed or undergoing surgery. It maintains blood pressure, the immune system, heart strength and blood sugar levels. Aldosterone helps to balance sodium and potassium in the blood. Those minerals control the kidneys' removal of waste as urine, which in turn can affect blood pressure and volume. Addison’s works against the outer portion of the adrenal glands (known as the cortex), which is where cortisol and aldosterone are made.
A secondary disorder related to Addison's occurs when the pituitary gland is attacked. That gland, located at the base of the brain, starts to lessen production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which works with the adrenal glands in the production of cortisol.
Addison's Disease Symptoms
Because the adrenal glands play such a vital role in the body, a long list of symptoms can be present and related to Addison’s Disease. These include abnormal menstrual periods, cravings for salty foods, abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, diarrhea, irritability, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss, dizziness, lightheadedness when standing, low blood sugar, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, nausea, sensitivity to cold, vomiting, and extreme fatigue.
The tell-tale sign of Addison’s seems to be patches of dark skin, usually located around joints, skin folds and scars. Unfortunately, Addison’s Disease is usually not diagnosed until its late stages, and much of the adrenal cortexes are destroyed.