Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and, in many cases, aldosterone. These hormones regulate vital processes, including metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress management. When they are deficient, patients may experience fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin. Without treatment, Addison’s disease can be life-threatening, making timely diagnosis and proper care essential.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Addison’s disease treatment is led by Kimberley Shine, MD. With an integrative and functional approach, Dr. Shine not only addresses hormone replacement but also focuses on underlying factors, lifestyle support, and patient education.
Causes and Risk Factors
Addison’s disease may develop for different reasons, including:
- Autoimmune Disorders: The most common cause, when the immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands.
- Infections: Tuberculosis, fungal infections, or HIV can damage adrenal tissue.
- Genetics: A family history of endocrine disorders may increase the risk.
- Cancer or Tumors: Rarely, cancer that spreads to the adrenal glands can cause insufficiency.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain steroid medications can suppress adrenal gland function.
Identifying the cause is crucial for tailoring effective treatment and ensuring ongoing support.
Symptoms of Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease symptoms often develop slowly, making them difficult to recognize at first. They may include:
- Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss and decreased appetite
- Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
- Salt cravings
- Skin darkening, especially on scars, joints, or skin folds
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Irritability, depression, or mood changes
In severe cases, patients may experience an Addisonian crisis, a medical emergency marked by sudden pain, vomiting, dehydration, and dangerously low blood pressure.
How Addison’s Disease Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your medical history, a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, and targeted testing. This may include:
- Blood Tests: Measuring cortisol, aldosterone, sodium, potassium, and ACTH levels.
- ACTH Stimulation Test: Evaluates how the adrenal glands respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone.
- Imaging Studies: CT or MRI scans are used to assess adrenal gland size and detect abnormalities.
By combining these tools with functional medicine insights, Dr. Shine creates a full picture of each patient’s adrenal health.
Treatment Options for Addison’s Disease
Treatment focuses on restoring hormone levels and supporting overall health. At Shine Health and Wellness, options may include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Corticosteroids to replace missing cortisol and aldosterone.
- Medication Monitoring: Adjusting doses during illness, surgery, or stress to prevent adrenal crises.
- Nutritional Counseling: Support for blood pressure regulation and stable energy levels.
- Lifestyle Support: Stress management, exercise recommendations, and sleep optimization.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing inflammation, immune health, and gut function to support long-term wellness.
- Ongoing Care: Regular check-ups and lab testing to monitor hormone levels and adjust treatment as needed.
This comprehensive approach enables patients to manage their symptoms while enhancing their overall quality of life.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of medical experience and a commitment to integrative, patient-focused care. She believes that effective treatment begins with trust and collaboration, taking time to listen, educate, and involve patients in every step of their care.
In addition to Dr. Shine’s expertise, patients benefit from a team that includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This multidisciplinary support enables a whole-person approach, combining evidence-based medicine with strategies to enhance resilience and promote balance. At Shine Health and Wellness, patients with Addison’s disease receive compassionate care designed to empower them in managing both daily health and long-term outcomes.
Support for Your Adrenal Health Starts Here
Living with Addison’s disease requires ongoing care, but with the right treatment plan, patients can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized treatment for adrenal insufficiency. Contact us today at 626-317-0207 to schedule a consultation.