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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 don’t produce enough of two hormones, cortisol and aldosterone (Cleveland Clinic).

  • Cortisol helps the body respond to stress — including illness, injury and surgery — and helps keep blood pressure and blood sugar steady.
  • Aldosterone balances sodium (salt) and potassium in the blood, which controls how much fluid the kidneys remove as urine.

Without enough of these hormones, people can develop fatigue, skin changes and loss of appetite. Addison’s disease is also called primary adrenal insufficiency. A related condition, secondary adrenal insufficiency, happens when the pituitary gland doesn’t release enough of the hormone (ACTH) that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.

Adrenal crisis is an emergency. Call 911 if someone with Addison’s disease has serious weakness; sudden severe pain in the lower back, belly or legs; severe vomiting or diarrhea; dehydration; fever; confusion; or loss of consciousness (Mayo Clinic).

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. About $20–$100 a month for medicines and $50–$250 per doctor visit; often $1,000–$3,000+ a year in total, depending on insurance. 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. $50–$200 a session without insurance ($15–$75 with); first visits $75–$300. Effectiveness unknown. There is no evidence it restores adrenal function or replaces medication.
Acupuncture Supportive care for fatigue and stress, alongside hormone replacement. On average about $112 for a first visit and $80 for follow-ups without insurance (ranges roughly $20–$300). 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 (Mayo Clinic, Endocrine Society guideline).

1. Replacing cortisol

Usually hydrocortisone, taken in two or three doses a day with the largest dose in the morning to mimic the body’s natural rhythm; prednisone or cortisone acetate are alternatives. Doses are set by an endocrinologist and raised temporarily during illness, surgery or other stress (Mayo Clinic, IncitefulMed).

2. Replacing aldosterone

Fludrocortisone, for people whose bodies don’t make enough aldosterone. Salt shouldn’t be restricted, and more may be needed during heavy sweating, diarrhea or high activity (Mayo Clinic).

3. Monitoring

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

Emergencies and stress doses

Looking after yourself

  • Carry a medical alert card or bracelet and a written action plan.
  • Keep extra medicine and an emergency injectable corticosteroid kit with you.
  • Keep up regular endocrinology check-ups (Mayo Clinic).

What it costs

  • Medicines: generic hydrocortisone about $60 a month, generic fludrocortisone about $25, brand-name Cortef about $80 (CostHelper).
  • Doctor visits: primary care about $50–$250; an endocrinologist $100–$250+ for a first visit and $35–$75 for follow-ups.
  • Per year: often $1,000–$3,000+ for insured patients; more without insurance unless discounts or charity care are available.
  • An adrenal crisis can add $1,000 or more for emergency care and hospital stays (CostHelper).

If your dog has Addison’s disease: diagnosis typically costs $500–$1,000 (IERE); the first year of stabilizing can run $1,000–$3,000; ongoing care $80–$350 a month for medicine (DOCP injections or fludrocortisone) and monitoring; and an Addisonian crisis $1,500–$4,500+ (The Pricer). A stable year is about $1,200–$3,500 (SpectrumCare). Pet insurance may help if the condition isn’t pre-existing (PetClaim).

How well it works — what to expect

Standard hormone replacement is highly effective. Taken correctly, it restores hormone balance, relieves fatigue and low blood pressure, and prevents adrenal crisis, allowing a normal life expectancy (Mayo Clinic, NIDDK). 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 (Mayo Clinic).

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

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

First sessions range from about $20 to $300 and follow-ups $50–$100; on average, sessions without insurance cost about $112 for a first visit and $80 for follow-ups (GoodRx).

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 (Cleveland Clinic, 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 (Mayo Clinic); massage can ease tension and discomfort.
  • Fatigue and sleep: relaxation massage may improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
  • Mood: people with Addison’s disease can feel low or irritable (Mayo Clinic); massage may ease anxiety and lift mood.

Safety

  • No deep abdominal pressure.
  • Low blood pressure is common, so get up slowly from the table to avoid dizziness (Mayo Clinic).
  • 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 helps keep electrolytes balanced, protects bones and gives steady energy (NIDDK).

Salt and electrolytes

Low aldosterone can lead to low sodium and high potassium. Extra salt can help prevent low sodium and ease fatigue, dizziness and low blood pressure — from foods such as eggs, cheese, salted nuts and seeds, poultry and salted crackers. How much is right for you is for your doctor to guide (NIDDK).

Bone health

Long-term corticosteroids, especially at higher doses, can thin bones. Calcium-rich foods (dairy, leafy greens, soybeans, white beans, fortified foods) and vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified dairy, sunlight) help; supplements may be recommended (NIDDK).

Balanced meals

  • Complex carbohydrates — whole grains, fruit and vegetables — for steady energy.
  • Lean protein — poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts.
  • Healthy fats — olive oil, avocado, nuts and fatty fish (New Being Nutrition).
  • Vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium and zinc support metabolism; fiber, fermented foods and prebiotics support gut health (New Being Nutrition).

Foods to watch

  • High-potassium foods (bananas, oranges, potatoes) if your potassium runs high.
  • Licorice and grapefruit, which can interact with medicines.
  • Highly processed foods high in sugar or unhealthy fats (Healthgrades).

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. Remedies used for Addison’s disease include Natrum muriaticum (for weakness and salt craving), Adrenalinum, Argentum nitricum, Cocculus indicus, Aconitum napellus and Lycopodium, usually as long-term constitutional treatment from a qualified homeopath (Hpathy). Homeopaths describe it as a complement to conventional treatment, not a replacement.

What it costs

  • Consultations: roughly $50–$200+ a session, in person or online (Dr Bhatia’s Clinic); some offer package rates.
  • Remedies: about $5–$20 for single tablets or pellets and $15–$50 a bottle for liquid or multi-potency remedies (MBHA estimate).
  • Lab tests to monitor adrenal function, if ordered, add about $50–$200 each.
  • Insurance rarely covers homeopathy. Ask for a written 3–6 month plan with costs, 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

Living with Addison’s Disease? Share your experience

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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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