Living with Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2
An autoimmune condition diagnosed in adults that affects hormone glands, with Addison disease plus thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes.
Understanding Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2
It is defined by Addison disease together with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes. Primary hypogonadism, myasthenia gravis and celiac disease can also occur. It is diagnosed in adulthood and happens more often in women than men. Tests for autoantibodies can help assess risk, because they are often found years before the disease begins.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Addison disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Low sex hormone activity (hypogonadism)
- Celiac disease
- Hair loss and patchy loss of skin color
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, hormone specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and women’s reproductive health specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, National Adrenal Diseases Foundation and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Women’s reproductive health specialists (obstetricians / gynecologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is unknown but may involve genetic and environmental factors. It lists autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance.
Also known as: addison's disease with struma lymphomatosa; aps ii; aps type 2; aps2; autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2; autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type ii
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationPolyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2 · United States
- National Adrenal Diseases FoundationPolyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2 · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstitutePolyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2 · United States
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation InternationalPolyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2 · United States
- Pituitary Network AssociationPolyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2 · United States
- Resolve: The National Infertility AssociationInfertility · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type 2.
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