This is a type of hormonal disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of hormones that are manufactured by the adrenal glands. This fact takes place when said glands are affected by some type of infectious or autoimmune disease. For their part, the adrenal glands are two structures that are arranged on each kidney, and that is why they receive such a name, these structures have an average weight of about 10 grams each; and it is in them where the body produces various hormones, which are of great importance to human beings. In the outer envelope, called the cortex, three varieties of hormones are manufactured: first the Glucocorticoids, then the Mineralocorticoids and lastly the sex hormones.
With regard to the symptoms that Addison's disease presents, they usually develop progressively, a process that can generally span several months. The characteristic symptoms of this pathology include: excessive fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, the skin turns a dark color, low blood pressure, fainting may occur, the need to consume salt, blood sugar levels below than normal, Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, discomfort in the abdominal area, pain in the muscles, pain in the joints. Among others
The causes of Addison's disease can be several: among them the following stand out:
- Deficiencies in the autoimmune adrenal gland, this being the most common cause in most cases, which accounts for almost 75% of all Addison's disease cases. It should be noted that this may be an isolated condition or, failing that, be related to an autoimmune condition of other endocrine glands, which is known as pluriglandular syndrome.
- In the case of infections, the most common cause is tuberculosis, responsible for at least 20% of Addison's disease cases). It can affect the adrenal cortex and medulla, this is due to the fact that the tuberculosis bacteria spreads in both areas of the adrenal gland.
