Difference between revisions of "Addison's Disease"
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| − | Addison’s disease (also Addison disease, chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism, and hypoadrenalism) is a rare, chronic endocrine system disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids). It is characterised by a number of relatively nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weakness, but under certain circumstances, these may progress to Addisonian crisis, a severe illness which may include very low blood pressure and coma. | + | Addison’s disease (also Addison disease, chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism, and hypoadrenalism) is a rare, chronic endocrine system disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids). It is characterised by a number of relatively nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weakness, but under certain circumstances, these may progress to Addisonian crisis, a severe illness which may include very low blood pressure and coma. |
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service states that Addison's disease occurs in 1 to 4 people in every 100,000, and that it can develop in people of all ages and sexes. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, although some of the most common include prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, reduced body weight, nausea and vomiting. If you have Addison's disease, you may also experience low blood pressure, diarrhea and excessive sweating. | The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service states that Addison's disease occurs in 1 to 4 people in every 100,000, and that it can develop in people of all ages and sexes. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, although some of the most common include prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, reduced body weight, nausea and vomiting. If you have Addison's disease, you may also experience low blood pressure, diarrhea and excessive sweating. | ||
Revision as of 11:59, 1 May 2015
Addison’s disease (also Addison disease, chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism, and hypoadrenalism) is a rare, chronic endocrine system disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids). It is characterised by a number of relatively nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weakness, but under certain circumstances, these may progress to Addisonian crisis, a severe illness which may include very low blood pressure and coma.
Symptoms
The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service states that Addison's disease occurs in 1 to 4 people in every 100,000, and that it can develop in people of all ages and sexes. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, although some of the most common include prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, reduced body weight, nausea and vomiting. If you have Addison's disease, you may also experience low blood pressure, diarrhea and excessive sweating.
Natural Remedies
- Commonly used herbal remedies in the treatment of Addison's disease possess adaptogenic action. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and herbalist, states that adaptogens improve your body's ability to cope with physiological stress. Examples of herbs with adaptogenic action include green tea, turmeric, reishi mushroom and Siberian ginseng. Astragalus, echinacea, milk thistle extract and ashwagandha may also be helpful in treating the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease.
- In her book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” nutrition expert and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that the roots of the ashwagandha plant -- a shrub that grows in certain parts of India -- help replenish and stimulate your nervous system and treat stress-induced disorders. Ashwagandha also helps treat depletion of cortisol -- a key adrenal gland hormone. This herbal remedy possesses anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic and hypotensive properties. You should avoid using ashwagandha if you are pregnant.
- Licorice : Research showed that licorice appeared to be successful in reversing the effects of Addison’s disease (Davis 1991). With advances in scientific research in the 1980s, it was found that a chemical compound, called glycyrrhetinic acid, present in licorice causes changes in adrenal steroid metabolism, resulting in increased levels of corticosterone in animals and cortisol in humans (Davis 1991).
- Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) plays a role in the synthesis and maintenance of co-enzyme A (CoA), a crucial cofactor for many biological enzymatic reactions and a primary component of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism (Horvath 2009).
- Coenzyme Q10 : Preliminary data suggest that adrenal hormone secretion is related to coenzyme Q10 levels. Analysis of coenzyme Q10 levels in people with irregular pituitary-adrenal axis function showed that coenzyme Q10 levels are considerably lower in people with isolated decreases in adrenal function compared to people with adrenal hyperplasia or multiple pituitary deficiencies (Mancini 2005).
Warnings
Addison’s disease is often associated with other health problems, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypoparathyroidism, testicular failure and thyrotoxicosis, which can all cause significant health side effects. Because of its association with these potentially harmful conditions, Addison’s disease should not be treated lightly. If you have this condition, you should review all relevant and efficacious treatment options with your doctor. Herbs may be a helpful addition to your Addison’s disease treatment plan, but avoid using herbs until you have check with your doctor.
