What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is a condition in which your adrenal glands do not make enough of certain hormones. The condition is named after a Dr Addison who first described it in 1855. Addison's disease is rare. About 8 in a million people in the UK develop it each year. Most cases are in people aged between 20 and 50, but it can occur at any age.
What are the adrenal glands and what do they do?
You have two adrenal glands. They are small glands, and lie just above each kidney. Each adrenal gland has an outer part (adrenal cortex) and an inner part (adrenal medulla). Cells in the adrenal glands make various hormones. A hormone is a chemical which is made in one part of the body but passes into the bloodstream and has effects on other parts of the body.
Cells in the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenals) make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The amount of cortisol that is made is controlled by another hormone called adreno-cortico-trophic hormone (ACTH for short). ACTH is made in the pituitary gland (a small gland that lies just under the brain). ACTH passes into the bloodstream, is carried to the adrenal glands, and 'stimulates' the adrenal glands to make cortisol.
- Cortisol is a steroid hormone and is vital for health. It has many functions which include:
*helping to regulate blood pressure.
*helping to regulate the immune system.
*helping to balance the effect of insulin in regulating the blood sugar level.
*helping the body to respond to stress.
- Aldosterone helps to regulate salts in the bloodstream, and helps to control blood pressure.
Cells in the adrenal medulla (inner part of the adrenals) make the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. These have various actions throughout the body.
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Anita, about 1 year
I am a diabetic of 33 years who has been diagnosed with ME/CFS. A doctor (who I've never seen before) has sent me for tests for this illness (I think) He injected me with something which I think affected the cortisol levels, before and 30 minutes later, he took blood samples to find out more details. I am not in any way trained in medicine, but would appreciate your thoughts on this test (in plain English!!). Thank you
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