HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Why do people with addison's disease have low cortisol and high potassium?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. David Geffner answered

Specializes in Endocrinology

Several reasons: Low cortisol is the definition of adrenal insufficiency. High k is due to a combination of aldosterone deficiency in true primary ai (addison's) and dehydration.

Answered 3/26/2013

5.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Can addison disease present symptoms of hypoKpp? I have low cortisol, and bouts of low K and glucose. Weakness, numbness, fatigue, thirst, lightheaded

7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Besides Addisons disease and adrenal insufficiency what can cause your cortisol to be in the low/normal range all day, and below normal before bed?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Low blood cortisol testing throughout day. but negative Addison's testing stim testing. can a person still be symptomatic for low cortisol? without true Addison's disease?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Dr tested me for Cushing's syndrome due to my appearance & symptoms, but my blood tests showed LOW cortisol. Can Addison's disease present the same as Cushing's?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Could my empty sella syndrome cause CUSHINGS bodily & facial appearence, PCSOs, but with LOW / Addison's level cortisol serum. high adrenaline and hormonal issues. everything seems mixed up & mismatched. doctors confused. I'm confused?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

If you wanted to rule out addisons just as a guess for safety. Would a serum cortisol, potassium and sodium be ok?
So all of my issues with high white count, high platelets, high potassium, severe anemia, could that be addison's disease?
Sick, extreme fatigue, high platelet, potassium, severe anemia, low tsh, low acth 3.Goiter on thyroid.Hashimotos is in question&addison's.Whats wrong w/me?
What are the symptoms of addison's disease other than low cortisol levels?
I have low cortisol levels, though not Addison disease. How may they treat it?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
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.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.