Addison's disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare condition that affects your adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of your kidneys and help your body produce key hormones like cortisol and aldosterone.

• Cortisol manages stress, blood sugar, inflammation, and energy use

• Aldosterone helps balance salt and water, which controls blood pressure

In Addison’s, the adrenal glands are damaged and don’t make enough of these hormones.

• The most common cause is autoimmunity—where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy adrenal tissue

• Less common causes include infections (like tuberculosis), cancer, genetic defects, or bleeding into the glands

This condition can affect anyone but most often appears between ages 30 and 50. It affects men and women equally and may occur more frequently in people with other autoimmune diseases.

Common symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Muscle weakness

• Weight loss

• Low blood pressure

• Salt cravings

• Darkening of the skin

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Dizziness or fainting

Possible complications:

• Adrenal crisis (a life-threatening emergency)

• Dehydration

• Shock

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Low blood sugar

Potential causes:

• Autoimmune destruction of adrenal cortex

• Genetic mutations

• Infections like tuberculosis

• Bleeding into the adrenal glands

• Prior autoimmune disorders

SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are small DNA changes that can affect how your immune system works.

These SNPs are linked to higher Addison’s risk:

• rs231775 – CTLA4 gene – may reduce immune system regulation

• rs2476601 – PTPN22 gene – can disrupt immune cell control

• rs12708716 – CLEC16A gene – may affect immune signaling

• rs3129882 – HLA-DRB1 region – involved in antigen presentation

• rs7574865 – STAT4 gene – linked to increased immune activation

These markers don’t diagnose the disease but may highlight genetic vulnerability to Addison’s.

Genes, enzymes, and cytokines all influence how your immune system works and how Addison’s may develop.

Relevant genes:

• CTLA4

• PTPN22

• CLEC16A

• HLA-DRB1

• STAT4

• AIRE (involved in self-tolerance)

Enzymes and related factors:

• NLRP3 – activates inflammatory signals

• CYP21A2 – involved in adrenal hormone production

• Caspase-1 – triggers cell death and inflammation

Cytokines:

• IL-1β

• IL-6

• TNF-α

• IFN-γ

These may:

• Disrupt immune balance

• Trigger inflammation

• Damage adrenal tissue

Even with genetic risk, non-genetic factors can play a major role.

Possible triggers include:

• Viral or bacterial infections

• Chronic stress

• Physical trauma or surgery

• Mold or toxin exposure

• Smoking

• Poor diet and sleep habits

These may worsen symptoms or activate the disease process.

There is no cure, but Addison’s can be managed with medical care.

Medical options:

• Daily hormone replacement (e.g., hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone)

• Emergency steroid injections for adrenal crisis

• Monitoring electrolyte levels and blood pressure

Supportive care strategies:

• Eat a balanced, salt-rich diet

• Get regular sleep

• Learn to manage stress

• Carry emergency medication at all times

• Wear a medical ID bracelet

Understanding your genetic markers can provide valuable insight into how your immune system functions—and where it may be more vulnerable.

• These markers don't diagnose disease, but they can help reduce the time it takes to connect symptoms with underlying issues

• Many people with autoimmune conditions spend years searching for answers

• Genetic testing can help shorten that process by identifying variations linked to inflammation, detox pathways, immune signaling, and tissue-specific vulnerabilities

Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with Addison’s:

• Silver Gene can help personalize your care

• Your genetic report can guide supplement and lifestyle strategies tailored to your biology

• You can also discover potential risks for related autoimmune diseases

Addison’s cannot always be prevented—especially when autoimmune or genetic in origin.

You may reduce your risk of flare-ups by:

• Managing stress

• Supporting sleep and adrenal function

• Maintaining a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet

• Avoiding known personal triggers

• Monitoring infections and recovery times

Addison’s is a lifelong condition, but most people live full lives with proper care.

With treatment:

• Hormone levels can be kept in balance

• Energy levels and mood may improve

• Adrenal crises can be prevented

Without treatment:

• Severe fatigue, low blood pressure, and collapse may occur

• Adrenal crisis can be life-threatening

• Chronic health issues may worsen over time

When to contact your doctor:

• You feel suddenly weak or dizzy

• You experience vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness

• You are sick or injured and unable to take your medications

Questions to ask your provider:

• What emergency steps should I take if I miss a dose?

• How should I adjust meds during illness or surgery?

• Are there medications or vaccines I should avoid?

You’re not alone. With consistent care and self-awareness, many people live well with Addison’s and stay active in daily life.

Addison’s shares genetic risk factors with other autoimmune conditions, including:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

• Celiac disease

• Vitiligo

• Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS-1)

These overlaps can help your care team anticipate and manage related immune issues.

What are the early signs of Addison’s disease?
Fatigue, salt cravings, low blood pressure, weight loss, and skin changes.

Can genetics cause Addison’s?
Genes don’t directly cause it, but some variants increase risk and disrupt immune balance.

Can Addison’s be cured?
No, but hormone therapy and good self-care allow most people to live full lives.

Can supplements help?
Some supplements may support adrenal and immune health, especially when personalized.

Should I get tested?
If you have Addison’s, symptoms, or a family history of autoimmunity, genetic testing may be helpful.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis and treatment options. The information provided here is based on general knowledge and should not replace professional consultation.

At Silver Gene, we believe in providing ethical, science-based support for those navigating autoimmune conditions.

• All of our content and products are grounded in research, transparency, and respect for individual health choices

• We do not diagnose or treat diseases

• We offer tools that help you and your provider make informed decisions

• Your DNA is personal. So is your care.