Treatment for Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a condition that involves the adrenal glands. In this condition, there is an inadequate amount of three hormones: cortisol, a glucocorticoid, and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys, and normally function to produce adequate amounts of these hormones. Two of the hormones are essential for converting food to energy, the inflammatory response, and our ability to respond to stress. Aldosterone is essential for balancing sodium, potassium, and water to regulate normal blood pressure. Addison’s disease may be the result of an autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands. Infections, tuberculosis, and cancers also may cause adrenal gland failure. Symptoms of this condition include muscle weakness, weight loss, decreased appetite, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, irritability, and salt craving.

Although Addison’s disease may be life threatening, hormonal treatment is available. Hydrocortisone and prednisone are drugs that are sometimes prescribed to replace the hormone cortisol. Aldosterone may be replaced by the medication fludrocortisone (Florinef). These replacement hormones are taken orally each day to simulate normal hormone production by the body.