Do I Have Addison’s Disease?

Do you feel extreme fatigue?

Do you have unexplained weight loss and decreased appetite?

Do you have darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)?

Do you have patches of dark skin, especially around scars, skin folds, and joints?

Do you have low blood pressure (which can even make you faint)?

Do you have llightheadedness or dizziness when standing up?

Do you have craving for salty food?

As far as you know, do you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

Do you have nausea, diarrhea or vomiting?

Do you have abdominal pain?

Do you have muscle weakness?

Do you have muscle or joint pains?

Do you feel irritable?

Are you depressed?

If you are a woman, do you have abnormal menstrual periods (heavy or irregular periods, bleeding between periods)?

Do you have increased sensitivity to cold?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is a rare medical condition that occurs when your adrenal glands do not produce the right amount of certain hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenal glands are located above your kidneys, there are two of them, and they are a part of the human endocrine system. The adrenal gland helps your body convert food into energy, plays a role in the proper functioning of your immune system and keeps the blood pressure within normal limits. Addison’s disease cannot be prevented. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, especially if you always feel tired.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease that involves dysfunction of your adrenal gland.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is a medical condition in which your adrenals glands (two glands found above your kidneys) do not produce enough of certain hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, the immune system and the stress response. Addison’s disease affects 1 in 100000 people in the US and it is most common in people between 30 and 50 years of age. Treatment includes taking hormones similar to those made by adrenal glands. With proper treatment, people with Addison’s disease can live normal lives.