Living with Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
A condition, also called Addison disease, in which the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones for stress, blood pressure, and salt and water balance.
Understanding Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
The adrenal glands sit just above the kidneys. The hormones they make help the body respond to stress and regulate blood pressure and water and salt balance. A problem with the immune system usually causes it, when the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Infections and cancer are other causes. Lab tests can confirm it.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue that gets worse over time
- Low blood pressure
- Patchy or dark skin
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 hormone specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Raymond A. Wood Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Raymond A. Wood Foundation
- 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 Raymond A. Wood Foundation
- 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 an immune system problem usually causes it, as the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the adrenal glands. Infections and cancer can also cause it.
Also known as: chronic adrenocorticoid insufficiency; chronic primary adrenal insufficiency; cpai; hypoadrenocorticism familial; hypoadrenocorticism, familial; primary adrenal insufficiency, chronic
Patient organizations
- Raymond A. Wood FoundationPrimary adrenocortical insufficiency · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Primary adrenocortical insufficiency.
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