Addison’s Disease Symptoms
In the early stages, the symptoms of Addison’s disease can be similar to those of flu or clinical depression. However, the disease can progress to cause more serious symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, cramps and darkened skin. While these symptoms may not always be due to Addison’s, it is always important to seek medical attention as these symptoms are usually indicative of an issue with the immune system and disrupt the body’s steroid hormones.
How does Addison’s disease begin?
Addison’s disease is caused by a slow, progressive damage to the adrenal glands. Symptoms vary from person to person, but they typically include a gradual decline in energy and a loss of appetite. Others may experience lightheadedness and muscle pain. In women, the condition can also result in loss of body hair and decreased sexual drive.
Addison’s disease can also manifest in sudden, severe symptoms. Some people experience dehydration, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and even temporary loss of consciousness. The disease may also cause emotional changes, including depression and salt cravings. It can also cause low blood sugar levels and result in a weakened immune system. Women with Addison’s disease may also experience irregular menstrual periods and reduced sexual drive.
What can be mistaken for Addison’s disease?
While there are no obvious symptoms of Addison’s disease, many dogs with this condition will drink more water than usual, have less energy, and appear less healthy overall. These symptoms usually go undetected until they become serious. In these cases, a blood test is needed to diagnose the problem.
Addison’s disease causes gradual damage to the adrenal glands. Its symptoms can vary from person to person but may include fatigue, muscle pain, weight loss, and abnormal menstruation. Some people will also develop patches of dark skin, loss of hair, and decreased sexual drive.
When symptoms are present, your GP will first want to rule out other disorders. If your symptoms are accompanied by blood glucose or potassium, your healthcare provider may suspect Addison’s disease and order tests to confirm it. These tests measure sodium and potassium levels as well as cortisol and ACTH levels.
How do you know if you’ve got Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease is a serious autoimmune disorder with a variety of symptoms. The most common is fatigue. It also causes skin spots to develop, called vitiligo. These spots can range from a few small spots to several large areas of the body. Some patients also develop black freckles on the face or forehead. Other symptoms of the disease include unintentional weight loss, dehydration, and muscle weakness.
The most accurate diagnosis of Addison’s disease is determined by measuring blood hormone levels. High levels of cortisol and ACTH can signal a problem with the adrenal glands. Blood tests may also reveal low levels of sodium or potassium. Doctors may also check blood pH levels and see if there are any changes in your skin color or if you have dark patches.
Which patient is most likely to have Addison’s?
One of the most common symptoms of Addison’s disease is fatigue. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, or nausea. Patients may also experience increased thirst or urination. They may also develop dark patches on their skin. In addition to the symptoms listed above, the disease is also associated with a decrease in sexual drive and an inability to maintain stable blood pressure.
Addison’s disease is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands. This causes damage to the adrenal cortex over time. Patients with the disease are often more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders.
