Adrenal Gland Disorders – Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease (also called adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism) is defined as a disease that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of particular hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone.
Symptoms and Causes
Even though this disorder can occur at any age, it normally appears at ages 30 to 50. Symptoms usually occur over a long stretch of time; however, it is possible that symptoms can appear suddenly too. When sudden signs appear, it is called acute adrenal failure or addisonian crisis.
What Causes Addison’s Disease?
The adrenal glands are a part of the endocrine system. These glands are responsible for producing hormones that, in turn, transmit directions to other organs and tissues in the body. The outside of the gland produces corticosteroids like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Glucocorticoids (including cortisol) help the body burn food, control the body’s inflammatory response and stress levels. Mineralocorticoids control the balance of sodium, potassium and water which aids in blood pressure.
But hormones cannot be produced when the cortex is damaged. This is just one scenario.
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