A 30-year-old member asked:
Is there a difference between adrenal insufficiency vs. addison's?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
30 years experience
Can be the same: Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency and implies destruction of the part of the adrenal gland which makes cortisol. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is when the pituitary gland doesn't make enough acth, a hormone which signals the adrenal gland to make cortisol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 29-year-old member asked:
Is adrenal insufficiency the same as addison's disease?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Susan Wingoanswered
Endocrinology 35 years experience
Not exactly: Addison's disease is one very specific cause of adrenal insufficiency, in which the immune system makes antibodies directed at adrenal proteins which end up destroying the adrenal glands. There are many other causes of adrenal insufficiency including bleeding or infection of the adrenals glands, destruction from cancers that have spread there, or failure of the pituitary to stimulate the adrenals.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is primary adrenal insufficiency (addisons disease)?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
30 years experience
Adrenal cortex: The adrenal cortex makes lots of hormones. Very important are cortisol and aldosterone which help maintain life and salt balance. Addison's disease is caused by adrenal cortex damage rendering it unable to make these hormones anymore, mostly autoimmune cause in us. Patients often have a bronzed look. Hydrocortisone replacement is a lifesaving necessity. Fludrocortisone may also become necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Is it true that addisons disease and adrenal insufficiency are the same?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mazen Kherallahanswered
Infectious Disease 36 years experience
Addison: Addison disease is the decreased function of the adrenal gland with decreased level of aldosterone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Do women with addison's adrenal insufficiency have low estrogen ?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Cayce Jehaimianswered
Pediatric Endocrinology 23 years experience
Not necessarily: However if both are present (i.E ai and premature ovarian failure) then a condition called autoimmune polyglandular syndrome may be the underlying cause. Checking thyroid and calcium levels in addition to fasting glucose is needed to make sure no additional endocrine deficits are present. Obviously this must be done under the care of an endocrinologist. Good luck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
