Addison's Disease

A​ ddison’s Disease 

What is addison’s Disease?  

 
 

Addison's disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce 
enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Addison's disease is 
caused by an autoimmune response, in which the body's immune system 
assaults its own organs and tissues. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How common is addison’s Disease? 

 

In the United States, Addison’s disease affects 1 in 100,000 people. It occurs 
in both men and women equally and in all age groups, but is most common 
in the 30-50 year-old age range. 
 
 
 
 

What causes Addison’s Disease? 

 

Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune response, which occurs 
when the body’s immune system (which protects it from infection) 
assaults its own organs and tissues. With Addison’s disease, the immune 
system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands (the cortex), where 
cortisol and aldosterone are made. 

Famous people with addison’s Disease? 
 

John F Kennedy lived with 
Addison’s Disease for 42 years.   
 

Dr Thomas Addison's pioneering 
work in the 1800s first led to the identification 
of Addison's disease. Here Professor Edwards 

presents a profile of Dr Addison in the form of 
a letter to his grandson. 
 

Nathan Gafuik, the 
Canadian Olympic gymnast, is living proof that 
you can have Addison’s and follow your passion 
to its limits, however demanding that pursuit 
may be. In this interview, from the September 
2012 ADSHG newsletter, he talks to Jane 
Hodgkin about his remarkable life. 

Addison’s Disease affects the organs. 

Addison's disease is caused by an autoimmune response, which occurs when the body's 
immune system (which protects it from infection) assaults its own organs and tissues. 
With Addison's disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal 

glands (the cortex), where cortisol and aldosterone are made. 

healthy  
 

unhealthy 
 
  

Addison’s Disease can affect anybody  
 
How does Addison’s Disease affect the 
body? 

Addison's disease is a condition that affects your body's adrenal glands. These glands 
are located on top of your kidneys. They make hormones that affect your mood, 
growth, metabolism, tissue function, and how your body responds to stress.Addison's 
disease damages those glands. 

 
 

Facts about Addison’s Disease

1​. It’s a Hormonal Disorder
2. It Impacts How You Handle Stress

3. Symptoms Usually Come on Slowly

4. Mood Changes Can Occur

5. Cases Can Be Acute

How does addisons disease affect the lower and 
higher levels of organization? 

The characteristic symptoms of Addison's disease result from low levels of cortisol and 
aldosterone in the body. Cortisol affects how the body responds to stress and is 
released in greater quantities when a person is under stress. Deficiency of androgen 
can cause loss of body hair and diminished sex drive in women. 

How can you prevent Addison’s Disease? 

There is no way to prevent Addison’s Disease.