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A member asked:
Why does one have low cortisol and high potassium levels in addison's disease?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
See below: Addison's disease is a state of low cortisol or hypocortisolism. In addition to cortsiol, the adrenal galnd also produces a very important hormone called aldosterone. The latter is responsible for reabsorbing sodium from the urine in exchange for potassium. If such hormone is not produced in sufficient quantity (either isolated or in conjunction with cortisol), potassium levels go up.
Answered 12/31/2014
6.2k views
Decreased exchange: In addisons disease there is decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone. These are responsible for decreased potassium excretion in urine and high levels of potassium in blood.
Answered 12/29/2012
5.4k views
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