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False. Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is characterized by the underproduction or deficiency of adrenal cortex hormones, primarily cortisol and often aldosterone. It is usually caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex (most common in developed countries), but can also result from infections (like tuberculosis), hemorrhage, or metastatic cancer. Symptoms develop gradually and include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure (especially orthostatic hypotension), hyperpigmentation of the skin (due to high ACTH), salt craving, and hypoglycemia. The lack of cortisol impairs the body's ability to handle stress, leading to a life-threatening adrenal crisis during illness or injury. Treatment involves lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids (like hydrocortisone) and often mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone).
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