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Addison’s Disease

A rare condition in which the adrenal glands don’t make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. It is treated with lifelong hormone replacement.

What is Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease is a rare condition in which the adrenal glands are damaged and don’t produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, often, aldosterone (NIDDK).

  • Cortisol, sometimes called the “stress hormone,” helps the body respond to stress and helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation and metabolism (NIDDK).
  • Aldosterone balances sodium (salt) and potassium in the blood, which together control the body’s salt and water balance and help keep blood pressure stable (NIDDK).

Without enough of these hormones, people can develop long-lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, darkening of the skin and loss of appetite (NIDDK). Addison’s disease is also called primary adrenal insufficiency. A related condition, secondary adrenal insufficiency, starts in the pituitary — a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain — when it doesn’t make enough of the hormone (ACTH) that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol (NIDDK).

Adrenal crisis is an emergency. Call 911 if someone with Addison’s disease has a fast heart rate; feels very dizzy or light-headed; has severe belly pain or pain in the side; muscle weakness, pain or spasms; a headache that won’t go away; nausea or vomiting; feels very drowsy, irritable or confused; has a seizure; or loses consciousness. Call even if an emergency steroid injection has already been given (NHS).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Lifelong hormone replacement for cortisol and, when needed, aldosterone, with extra doses during illness or surgery and an emergency plan for adrenal crisis. Cost estimate being researched; depends on your insurance and prescriptions. Highly effective when taken consistently: symptoms settle and most people live a normal life. It is lifelong — not a cure.
Chiropractic Supportive care only — adjustments, soft-tissue work and lifestyle advice for pain and stress. It does not treat the hormone deficiency. About $55–$100 a session and $90–$200 for a first visit without insurance. Effectiveness unknown. There is no evidence it restores adrenal function or replaces medication.
Acupuncture Supportive care for fatigue and stress, alongside hormone replacement. About $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups without insurance; community clinics can cost less. No reliable human research yet on acupuncture for Addison’s disease.
Herbal medicine “Adaptogen” herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, studied for everyday stress and fatigue — not for Addison’s disease. Varies by product; supplements are usually not covered by insurance. No evidence they replace hormone therapy. Some, especially licorice, can interact dangerously — only with your endocrinologist’s OK.
Massage therapy Gentle relaxation massage for stress, muscle tension and pain. Typical local massage rates; MBHA cost estimate being researched. May ease stress, aches and fatigue and lift mood. It does not affect hormone levels.
MBHA Wellness Coach Nutrition and daily habits: enough salt, calcium and vitamin D, balanced meals, hydration and stress management, planned with your care team. Cost estimate being researched. Supports energy, bone health and steady electrolytes alongside treatment.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Addison’s disease is treated with lifelong hormone replacement, to restore cortisol and, if needed, aldosterone — plus a plan for emergencies (NHS, Endocrine Society guideline).

1. Replacing cortisol

Usually hydrocortisone, taken by mouth two or three times a day; prednisone or dexamethasone are sometimes used instead (NIDDK). Doses are set by your doctor — usually a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) — and extra medicine may be needed when you’re unwell, having surgery or going through other stress (NHS).

2. Replacing aldosterone

Fludrocortisone, for people whose bodies don’t make enough aldosterone; it helps balance the amount of sodium and fluids in the body (NIDDK). Some people with low aldosterone also benefit from a high-sodium diet, guided by their care team (NIDDK).

3. Monitoring

Doses are adjusted based on symptoms, blood pressure, electrolytes and weight, with regular endocrinology follow-up (Endocrine Society).

Emergencies and stress doses

  • Adrenal crisis needs immediate IV corticosteroids and IV saline with dextrose as emergency care (NIDDK).
  • High fever, surgery or injury: the dose is increased, or a higher “stress” dose or IV corticosteroids are given (NIDDK).
  • Pregnancy: treatment continues, with IV corticosteroids if tablets can’t be kept down (NIDDK).

Looking after yourself

  • Carry a steroid emergency card at all times; medical ID jewelry or a wristband can also show your condition and medicine.
  • Always have enough medicine so you don’t run out, and keep the emergency injection kit you’re given with you.
  • Keep up regular appointments with your specialist (NHS).

What it costs

  • Medicines, doctor visits and yearly totals: cost estimate being researched. What you pay depends on your insurance and prescriptions.
  • An adrenal crisis needs emergency treatment with IV medicines, which adds emergency-care costs (NIDDK).

How well it works — what to expect

Standard hormone replacement is highly effective. With treatment, people can have a good quality of life and a normal life expectancy (NHS). Replacement at the body’s natural level doesn’t usually speed up bone loss; long-term over-replacement can (IncitefulMed).

  • It must be taken every day — missed doses can trigger a crisis.
  • Doses are individual and need regular monitoring.
  • It isn’t a cure: the adrenal damage is permanent and treatment is lifelong (IncitefulMed).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Chiropractors don’t treat Addison’s disease itself. Some, especially those with functional or integrative training, offer supportive care aimed at overall wellness, stress and related aches (Found Chiropractic):

Caution: there is no peer-reviewed evidence that chiropractic care can restore adrenal function or remove the need for medication. Online claims of “healing” Addison’s disease through chiropractic alone aren’t supported by medical science: the condition is treated with replacement medicine taken every day for life (NHS).

Using chiropractic care safely

  1. Keep taking all prescribed hormone therapy without interruption.
  2. Tell your chiropractor about your diagnosis and medicines.
  3. Check with your endocrinologist before any new supplement or therapy.
  4. Use it for supportive goals — pain relief, stress — not as a cure.

What it costs

  • A follow-up adjustment is about $55–$100 without insurance, and a first visit commonly about $90–$200 (The Pricer).
  • With insurance, your cost depends on your plan’s deductible, copay and network. Original Medicare covers only spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation — not maintenance care, massage or routine X-rays (The Pricer).
  • Some clinics sell multi-visit packages that lower the per-visit price, but they only pay off if you use all the visits (The Pricer).
  • Budget for it on top of your medical care, which is lifelong.

How well it works: unknown. There is no established chiropractic approach for Addison’s disease.

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

We found no reliable human studies of acupuncture for Addison’s disease. Some people use it for fatigue and stress alongside their hormone treatment — never instead of it.

What it costs

Without insurance, a first visit at a private clinic is roughly $125–$230 and follow-ups roughly $90–$185; community (shared-room) clinics can charge less. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low-back pain (The Pricer).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Read this first. The research below is about everyday stress and fatigue in healthy people — not Addison’s disease. No herb can replace cortisol or aldosterone. Herbs can interact with your medicines: licorice in particular can cause serious heart problems and interacts with corticosteroids (NCCIH, U.S. National Institutes of Health). Don’t take any of these without your endocrinologist’s agreement.

“Adaptogens” are herbs and mushrooms said to help the body cope with stress (Rupa Health). The most commonly discussed:

We don’t list doses here: whether any of these is safe for you, and how much, is a decision for your endocrinologist and a qualified herbal practitioner together.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Massage can help people with Addison’s disease feel better by reducing stress, easing muscle pain and supporting relaxation. It does not treat the hormone deficiency — cortisol and aldosterone replacement is still essential.

How it may help

  • Stress: massage promotes relaxation, and stress can make symptoms worse.
  • Muscle and joint pain: Addison’s disease commonly causes muscle weakness, cramps and joint pain (NHS); massage can ease tension and discomfort.
  • Fatigue and sleep: relaxation massage may improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
  • Mood: people with Addison’s disease can have anxiety, depression or irritability (NHS, NIDDK); massage may ease anxiety and lift mood.

Safety

  • No deep abdominal pressure.
  • Low blood pressure can drop further on standing and cause dizziness, so get up slowly from the table (NIDDK).
  • Choose gentle techniques when tired or weak, and stay well hydrated.
  • Never during an adrenal crisis — that needs emergency care. Postpone massage with fever, dehydration or acute illness.

Massage types that suit Addison’s disease

TypeWhy
Swedish massageGentle relaxation, less stress, better circulation
Myofascial releaseChronic muscle tension and pain
Craniosacral therapyCalm and relaxation
ReflexologyAnecdotal benefit for fatigue and stress

Tips

  • Tell your therapist about your diagnosis and medicines.
  • Book sessions for the time of day when your energy is highest.
  • Keep up your hormone replacement — massage is supportive, not a cure.

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

Good nutrition can help keep your salt balance steady and protect your bones while you take corticosteroids (NIDDK).

Salt and electrolytes

Low aldosterone can upset the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood (NIDDK). Some people with Addison’s disease who have low aldosterone can benefit from a high-sodium diet. Which sources and how much are right for you is for your doctor or a dietitian to guide (NIDDK).

Bone health

High doses of corticosteroids are linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D from food helps protect your bones, and calcium supplements may be recommended (NIDDK).

Balanced meals

  • Starchy foods — choose wholegrain or higher-fibre versions.
  • Fruit and vegetables — at least five portions a day.
  • Protein — beans, pulses, fish, eggs and lean meat.
  • Fats — mostly unsaturated oils and spreads, in small amounts (NHS).

Foods to watch

Everyday tips

  • Drink enough fluids, especially when ill or in hot weather.
  • Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid fatigue and low blood sugar.
  • Work with a dietitian or your care team to set your salt, calcium and vitamin D (NIDDK).

Another approach

Homeopathy

About the evidence. Homeopathic remedies are chosen to match a person’s individual symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that homeopathy treats this condition, and it must never replace prescribed medical treatment.

Homeopaths choose remedies to match a person’s individual symptoms, so two people with the same condition may be given different remedies. There is little evidence that homeopathy works for any specific health condition, some products labeled homeopathic contain active ingredients that can interact with medicines, and it should never replace proven care (NCCIH). If you use it, treat it only as a complement to your hormone replacement and tell your endocrinologist.

What it costs

  • Consultations: cost estimate being researched.
  • Remedies and any lab tests: cost estimate being researched.
  • Ask for a written plan with costs before you start, and check the practitioner’s training.

In their own words

Wellness and lifestyle testimonials

Please read first. These are personal experiences people have shared — from people like you and me. They are not medical advice, MBHA makes no medical claims, and we do not claim that any product or approach heals or cures. Results vary. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.

My mother has had Addison’s for years and uses many of the products, including the sleep system. Her body is under stress from the disease, and she benefits from them.

— Sana

I worked with a lady who had Addison’s disease. Her feet were so painful she had an appointment to have special $250 shoes made, with no guarantee they would help. In minutes she started getting relief from the magnetic insoles, and she bought them and an energy seat. They changed her life — she got her feet and her energy back, and she cancelled her appointment for the $250 shoes.

— Name withheld

Shared with first names only. Lightly edited for length and spelling.

Member stories

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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