The Basics Of Addison's Disease

What Causes This Rare Disease?

As previously mentioned, Addison’s disease is the result of the adrenal glands not producing enough of the steroid hormone cortisol and aldosterone. This lack of production by the adrenal glands is due to damage done by the body’s immune system for individuals in the developed world and is caused by tuberculosis in developing nations. Other causes include certain medications, sepsis, and bleeding into both adrenal glands. The majority of the patients dealing with this rare condition is due to an autoimmune disease, which accounts for seventy percent of all cases, and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands by mistake, destroying the outer layer of the glands.

Long-lasting infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV, and fungal infections can also harm the adrenal glands, and in some instances, cancer cells that spread from other parts of the body to the adrenal glands can also cause Addison’s disease. In rare cases, Addison’s disease can be caused by secondary adrenal insufficiency, which is an issue with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus not producing enough hormones, both located in the center of the brain.