Addisons Aware

This website is initiated and funded by Atnahs Pharma UK Ltd, a member of the Pharmanovia Group

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Causes and diagnosing Addison's disease

It’s important for you to remember that Addison’s disease is rare, and that you are unlikely to have it. But if you are suffering any of the symptoms, seeing your GP as soon as you can could help to rule it out or diagnose it. Either way, you could find it reassuring to know what you may or may not have!

Medical history and symptoms review

If your GP does suspect Addison’s disease, after reviewing your medical history and symptoms, they may request some blood tests, and suggest other tests that may assist with your diagnosis.

WHAT CAUSES ADDISON’S DISEASE?

Addison’s disease is caused by damage to your adrenal glands, which are situated on top of your kidneys. They produce hormones that give instructions to every organ and tissue in your body.

Damage to your adrenal glands can result in a reduced production of the hormone cortisol. Often, there may also be a reduction in the hormone aldosterone.

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EARLY MORNING SERUM CORTISOL TEST

If the condition is suspected on the basis of your symptoms or risk factors (and urgent treatment is not indicated), carrying out an early morning serum cortisol test is a simple way to help confirm or rule out Addison’s disease.

Measuring early morning cortisol levels plays a key part in diagnosing – or ruling out – Addison’s disease.

Depending on your results from the early morning serum cortisol test, your GP may refer you to an endocrinology department at a hospital for further specialised testing.

An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test can be carried out to confirm a diagnosis. This test can show whether the adrenal glands are releasing hormones as they should be.

During the test, a blood sample is taken and tested for cortisol before an injection of synthetic ACTH is given. Further blood samples are then taken to measure cortisol after 30 minutes and after 60 minutes.

If levels of adrenal hormones are found to be low even after the synthetic ACTH is given, it’s usually a confirmation of Addison’s disease.
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DISCOVER HOW ADDISON'S DISEASE CAN BE TREATED

Although there is no cure for this condition, it can be managed by your healthcare professional. However, such therapy is necessary on a long-term basis.

“…replacement therapy is life-saving and leads to dramatic improvement in overall outcome.”

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Talk to your GP.
Download our guide with helpful tips on how to talk to your GP if you suspect you may have Addison’s disease

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ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY OR ADRENAL CRISIS?

To help in identification, the figure below summarises the different signs and symptoms to look for in adrenal insufficiency and those signs and symptoms that occur when a patient is actually experiencing an adrenal crisis.11

The distinction is important as, at least at the outset, signs and symptoms can be similar for both conditions.

Patients may present with some, but not all of the symptoms in the image below.

Click to enlarge

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