Final answer:
Addison's disease can be caused by insufficient output of glucocorticoids, hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids, and decreased availability of ACTH from the pituitary gland. Symptoms include hyperpigmentation of the skin, fatigue, low blood pressure, and salt cravings. Treatment typically involves taking replacement hormones in pill form.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inadequate production of glucocorticoids is one of the causes of Addison's disease, but it is not the only cause. This disorder can also result from hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids and decreased availability of ACTH from the pituitary gland. It can be caused by autoimmune responses, such as abnormal antibodies attacking the adrenal cortex, untreated infections damaging the adrenal cortex, or decreased output of ACTH due to a pituitary tumor. Symptoms of Addison's disease include hyperpigmentation of the skin, excessive fatigue, low blood pressure, and salt cravings. Treatment involves taking replacement hormones in pill form.