How is Addison’s disease diagnosed?

How is Addison’s disease diagnosed?

To determine if you have Addison’s disease, your doctor might use the following:

• History and physical: Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Dark patches on your skin might be a clue for your doctor to consider testing for Addison’s disease.
• Blood tests: These will be done to measure the levels of sodium, potassium, cortisol and ACTH in your blood.
• ACTH stimulation test: This tests the adrenal glands’ response after you are given a shot of artificial ACTH. If the adrenal glands produce low levels of cortisol after the shot, they may not be functioning properly.
• X-rays: These may be done to look for calcium deposits on the adrenal glands.
• Computed tomography (CT scan): Computed tomography uses computers to combine many X-ray images into cross-sectional views. A CT scan might be done to evaluate the adrenals and/or pituitary gland. For example, it can show if the immune system has damaged the adrenal glands or if the glands are infected.