It can be characterized by inadequate corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid synthesis and elevated levels of serum ACTH

Caused by autoimmune mechanisms that destroy adrenal cortical cells

Approximately 1 in 100,000 people in United States have Addison’s disease. The overall prevalence is estimated to be between 40 and 60 people per million of the general population

The incidence is 0.6/100,000 of the population per year

The total number of people affected by this condition at a given time 4 to 11/100,000 of the population

Swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland that often results in reduced thyroid function

Thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone

Itchy rash with bumps and blisters

Parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone

Pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of some or all of its hormones

Autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves and the muscles they control

Body does not have enough healthy red blood cells

Testicles cannot produce sperm or male hormones

Type I diabetes

Loss of brown color (pigment) from areas of the skin

Extreme fatigue

Weight loss and decreased appetite

Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)

Low blood pressure, even fainting

Salt craving

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting (gastrointestinal symptoms)

Abdominal pain

Muscle or joint pains

Irritability

Depression or other behavioral symptoms

Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women

Women are more likely than men to develop Addison’s disease.

This condition occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50