Addison’s disease treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Learn about medications, crisis prevention, and management at LIV Hospital.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Since Addison’s disease is caused by a lack of essential hormones, the cornerstone of “Addison’s disease treatment options” is hormone replacement therapy. The goal is not just to replace the missing chemicals but to mimic the body’s natural circadian rhythm. At LIV Hospital, our endocrinologists meticulously calibrate dosages to ensure patients maintain optimal energy levels and physiological stability.
The primary medications used include:
Addison’s disease itself is primarily a medical condition managed pharmacologically, meaning “surgical treatments for Addison’s disease” are rarely the first line of defense. However, surgery may be indicated depending on the underlying cause of the adrenal failure.
If the adrenal insufficiency is caused by an infection such as tuberculosis (TB) creating an abscess, or if there is a metastatic tumor affecting the adrenal glands, surgical intervention may be necessary. In cases where the adrenal glands must be removed due to tumors or hemorrhage, a procedure called an adrenalectomy is performed.
LIV Hospital specializes in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy, a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon accesses the adrenal gland through small incisions in the abdomen or back. This technique significantly reduces “adrenalectomy recovery” time, minimizes scarring, and lowers the risk of post-operative complications compared to open surgery.
Because Addison’s disease is a chronic, lifelong condition, “rehabilitation” focuses on patient education and lifestyle adaptation rather than physical therapy. The most critical aspect of the “Addison disease rehabilitation program” is learning how to prevent an adrenal crisis.
Patients must learn the “Sick Day Rules.” When the body faces physical stress such as a fever, infection, tooth extraction, or minor surgery, the demand for cortisol increases. Since the adrenal glands cannot meet this demand, patients must temporarily increase their medication dosage (often doubling or tripling it) under a doctor’s guidance.
Effective management requires consistent monitoring to avoid both under-replacement (risk of crisis) and over-replacement (risk of Cushingoid symptoms, weight gain, and osteoporosis). Long-term care involves a partnership between the patient and the endocrinology team.
Managing Addison’s disease requires precision. LIV Hospital’s Department of Endocrinology offers a multidisciplinary approach that sets a benchmark in hormonal care. We utilize advanced assay technology to monitor hormone levels with high sensitivity, ensuring your medication regimen is perfectly tailored to your body’s needs.
Beyond medication, we prioritize safety and education. Our team provides every patient with an individualized “Adrenal Crisis Action Plan” and assists in obtaining medical alert identification. Whether it is routine management or complex cases involving Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome, LIV Hospital provides world-class care designed to help you live a full, active life.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The primary treatment is hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking oral corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone) to replace cortisol and mineralocorticoids (like fludrocortisone) to replace aldosterone. Women may also require DHEA supplements.
Treatment for Addison’s disease is lifelong. Because the adrenal glands cannot regenerate or repair themselves in cases of primary insufficiency, you will need to take replacement hormones daily for the rest of your life to maintain normal bodily functions.
Surgery is rarely needed for Addison’s disease itself, as it is treated with medication. However, if the cause of your adrenal failure is a tumor or a specific type of infection that requires drainage or removal, surgical intervention like a laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be recommended.
The most common medications are Hydrocortisone (or Prednisone) for cortisol replacement and Fludrocortisone for aldosterone replacement. These medications are bio-identical or similar to the hormones your body naturally produces.
Recovery from an adrenal crisis is usually rapid once intravenous fluids and hydrocortisone are administered. Most patients feel significantly better within 12 to 24 hours. However, you will need to stay in the hospital for observation until your electrolyte levels normalize and you can tolerate oral medication.
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