Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)
Who It's For
Functional medicine support tailored to uncover the root cause of complex symptoms.
Consult with our care team to understand next steps and build a personalized plan.
Serving Denver Metro, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
About This Condition
Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) is a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids due to destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex. It leads to impaired stress response, disordered electrolyte and fluid balance, and low blood pressure, and can be life-threatening during acute decompensation (adrenal crisis).
Onset is often insidious. Patients may present with progressive fatigue, weakness, unintentional weight loss, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, salt craving, orthostatic symptoms, and diffuse body aches. Hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas, skin creases, scars, and mucous membranes is common in primary adrenal insufficiency due to elevated ACTH. Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and low blood pressure are frequent laboratory and clinical findings.
Diagnosis is based on low basal cortisol levels with inappropriately elevated ACTH, abnormal response to ACTH stimulation testing, and supporting electrolyte and renin–aldosterone abnormalities, after excluding exogenous glucocorticoid use and secondary causes of adrenal insufficiency. Management requires lifelong glucocorticoid replacement, mineralocorticoid replacement in primary disease, stress-dose education, and close monitoring, with urgent treatment for suspected adrenal crisis.
Common Symptoms
- •Chronic fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance
- •Unintentional weight loss, anorexia, or early satiety
- •Orthostatic dizziness, lightheadedness, or near-syncope, especially when standing or during illness
- •Salt craving, preference for salty foods, or low blood pressure symptoms
- •Nausea, abdominal discomfort, or vague gastrointestinal symptoms
- •Diffuse body aches, myalgias, or arthralgias
- •Skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation in primary adrenal insufficiency, especially in sun-exposed areas, skin creases, scars, and oral mucosa
- •Worsening of symptoms during intercurrent illness, surgery, or major stress, with risk of adrenal crisis
Conventional Treatment Options
Sleep and stress optimization
Electrolyte/nutrition support
Our Functional Medicine Approach
Who It's For
Adults diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved daily energy
- Better stability