What is Addison's disease?

What is Addison's disease?

Addison’s disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands – which sit on top of the kidneys – do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. (Hormones are chemicals that control the function of tissues or organs.)

Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, including the stress of illness, injury, or surgery. It also helps maintain blood pressure, heart function, the immune system and blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Aldosterone affects the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. This in turn controls the amount of fluid the kidneys remove as urine, which affects blood volume and blood pressure.

Addison’s disease is also called “primary adrenal insufficiency.” A related disorder, “secondary adrenal insufficiency,” occurs when the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain, does not secrete enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which activates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.