What causes Addison’s disease?

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What causes Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune response, which occurs when the body’s immune system (which protects it from infection) assaults its own organs and tissues. With Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands (the cortex), where cortisol and aldosterone are made.

Other causes of Addison’s disease include:

  • Injury to the adrenal glands
  • Infection, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS-related infections, and fungal infections
  • Cancer cells from another part of the body that have invaded the adrenal glands
  • Bleeding into the adrenal glands
  • Surgical removal of the adrenal glands
  • Amyloidosis (abnormal buildup of certain proteins in the organs)
  • Genetic defects

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