This comprehensive compilation provides authoritative information and practical advice from the nation's health experts about Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, adrenocortical hypofunction, and hypocortisolism.

Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, the 21st Century Medical Sourcebook series gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the information they need to understand this disease. There is extensive coverage of symptoms, diagnosis, medical testing, treatment options, clinical research, government research, medications and prognosis. A comprehensive list of clinical trials related to Addison's disease is included. Related topics are fully covered: Hashimoto's disease, Celiac disease, and more.

Adrenal insufficiency is an endocrine-or hormonal-disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary.

Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison's disease, occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce enough of the hormone cortisol and often the hormone aldosterone. Addison's disease affects one to four of every 100,000 people, in all age groups and both sexes. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland-a bean-sized organ in the brain-fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. If ACTH output is too low, cortisol production drops. Eventually, the adrenal glands can shrink due to lack of ACTH stimulation. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is much more common than Addison's disease.

Extensive bonus supplements, with over ninety chapters gathered from our Medical Fundamentals ebook and other reports, cover a broad range of health care topics useful to everyone. This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information, which let you quickly check for updates from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations.

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