What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?

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What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?

The damage to the adrenal glands happens slowly over time, and symptoms occur gradually. The most common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormal menstrual periods
  • Craving for salty food
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Irritability
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low blood glucose
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Patches of dark skin, especially around scars, skin folds, and joints
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Worsening fatigue (extreme tiredness)

In some cases – such as an injury, illness, or time of intense stress – symptoms can come on quickly and cause a serious event called an Addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. An Addisonian crisis is a medical emergency. If it is not treated, it can lead to shock and death. Symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include:

  • Feeling restless, confused, or afraid, or other mental changes
  • Dehydration
  • Extreme weakness
  • Having trouble staying awake, or a total loss of consciousness
  • High fever
  • Lightheadedness or feeling faint
  • Paleness
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea
  • Sudden, deep pain in the lower back, belly or legs

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