Symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, darkening of the skin, salt cravings, weight loss and decreased appetite, as listed by Mayo Clinic. Sufferers may also experience low blood sugar or low blood pressure that may lead to fainting.
Sufferers can become irritable or depressed, and they may experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic. Sexual dysfunction and loss of body hair may occur in women. Darkening of the skin often takes the form of freckling or blotchy tanning and is most prominent on sun-exposed areas of the skin, as stated by WebMD. This symptom most commonly affects the forehead, creases, skin folds, knees and elbows. Other symptoms include moodiness, the inability to cope with stress, and intolerance to extreme temperatures.
Symptoms of Addison's disease generally develop gradually over several months, but they may appear suddenly in cases of acute adrenal failure, also known as addisonian crisis, according to Mayo Clinic. In this instance, additional symptoms may include severe diarrhea or vomiting that results in dehydration, loss of consciousness, and high potassium. Sufferers may also experience pain in the legs, abdominal area or lower back. Anyone who experiences Addison's disease symptoms should consult a doctor for immediate testing and treatment.
