What is addison's disease?

Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body.

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

Causes

Failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol can occur for different reasons. The problem may be due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) or to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency).

Symptoms

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually begin gradually. Characteristics of the disease are

chronic, worsening fatigue
muscle weakness
loss of appetite
weight loss
About 50 percent of the time, one will notice

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
Other symptoms include

low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting
skin changes in Addison's disease, with areas of hyperpigmentation, or dark tanning, covering exposed and nonexposed parts of the body; this darkening of the skin is most visible on scars; skin folds; pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes; lips; and mucous membranes

I hope this helps.

Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body.

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

Addison's disease is an insidious, usually progressive hypofunctioning of the adrenal cortex. It produces various symptoms, including hypotension and hyperpigmentation, and can lead to adrenal crisis with cardiovascular collapse. Diagnosis is clinical and by finding elevated plasma ACTH with low plasma cortisol. Treatment depends on the cause but generally includes hydrocortisone and sometimes other hormones.

It's what Paula Abdul has. It causes bulimia of sorts, that kind that does not originate in the mind (purposeful), coz it's symptoms force the food out physically...and in some cases...cause anorexia coz you don't feel like eating...coz it will hurt...and just come out anyways.... If symptoms are untreated and at worst. It also can (untreated) cause food cravings and mood changes.