Definition

Noun: A rare, chronic endocrine disorder caused by insufficient production of hormones (primarily cortisol and often aldosterone) by the adrenal cortex. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including severe fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin, particularly in areas like creases, scars, and mucous membranes.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a specific disease. It is typically used in formal, clinical, or academic contexts. * The patient was diagnosed with Addison's syndrome after presenting with unexplained fatigue and hyperpigmentation. * Treatment for Addison's syndrome involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is named after Dr. Thomas Addison, who first described it in 1855. In modern clinical practice, the terms "Addison's disease" or "primary adrenal insufficiency" are more commonly used than "Addison's syndrome."
• An Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening complication of this syndrome, involving an acute, severe deficiency of adrenal hormones.

Variants and Related Words

• Addison's disease: The more common contemporary term for the same condition.
• Primary adrenal insufficiency: The formal medical terminology.
• Adrenal insufficiency: A broader term that can include primary (Addison's) and secondary causes.
• Hypoadrenalism: An older, less specific term for underactive adrenal function.

Synonyms

• Addison's disease
• Primary adrenal insufficiency
• Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency

Related Phrases

• Adrenal crisis / Addisonian crisis: A medical emergency in patients with Addison's syndrome.
• Adrenal cortex: The part of the adrenal gland that fails to function properly in this syndrome.

Noun

1. a glandular disorder caused by failure of function of the cortex of the adrenal gland and marked by anemia and prostration with brownish skin