The greater production of MSH leads to the over-stimulation of melanocytes which are the melanin-producing cells that provide color (melanin) to the skin. To attempt to provide balance, the pituitary gland overcompensates by making more ACTH, beta-endorphin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) from the protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). In the development of Addison's disease, the skin changes, and the adrenal glands gradually make less and less cortisol and aldosterone. It will produce the hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to tell the adrenal glands to release cortisol when the body is stressed. The pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, produces hormones that regulate the endocrine system as well as the adrenal glands. Addison's disease can develop fairly slowly in patients and form in more and more areas as it progresses, so it may not be recognized during its early stages. Pigmentation of the gums, referred to as “intraoral pigmentation,” sometimes occurs before skin bronzing and can be the first initial sign of the disease. Skin color changes can be the first sign of Addison's disease, but this symptom is not always present in every patient.Īnother sign of the condition in some people is the presence of black freckles on the forehead, face, and shoulders. It can also take hold in the areas where the skin feels the most pressure, such as the knuckles, knees, palms, soles, armpits, nipples, and areas with folding skin.

For the patient, the particular coloring will appear unnatural. The darkening of the skin in Addison's disease is sometimes referred to as “bronzing ” and usually develops in the areas of the skin that are exposed to direct sunlight. Image Credit: SciePro/Shutterstock Symptoms of Addison's disease One key distinctive symptom of the disease is that it can lead to hyperpigmentation or darkening of the patient's skin. Addison's disease is a rare condition with various general symptoms, including weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weakness. Cortisol is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” and is involved in several mechanisms in the body.Īldosterone, on the other hand, assists in blood pressure regulation. Reviewed by Aimee MolineuxĪddison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is an endocrine disorder where insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone hormones are produced by the adrenal glands.

Adrenal gland issues symptoms