Addison’s Disease Day Date in the current year: May 29, 2025

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands located above the kidneys that produce a variety of hormones, including corticosteroids (aldosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone) and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline). Corticosteroids are so named because they are steroid hormones produced by the cortex (outer region) of the adrenal glands.

Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the two outer layers of cells in the adrenal cortex do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a stress hormone that regulates several physiological processes (blood pressure, metabolism, immune response, inflammation), especially in response to stress. Aldosterone is essential for sodium conservation, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation.

In most cases, Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the patient’s immune system attacks the adrenal cortex. Less common causes include adrenal destruction due to other factors (cancer metastasis, adrenal hemorrhage, some infections, amyloidosis) and rare genetic mutations.

The symptoms of Addison’s disease are caused by low levels of cortisol and aldosterone and usually develop slowly over several months. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), low blood pressure, mood changes, and darkening of the skin in certain areas.

Severe adrenal insufficiency can cause an adrenal crisis that requires urgent medical attention. Symptoms include sudden pain in the abdomen, lower back, or legs, low blood pressure, severe vomiting and diarrhea, low blood sugar and sodium levels, elevated blood potassium and calcium levels, confusion, slurred speech, severe lethargy, fainting, seizures, and fever.

Addison’s disease can be treated by replacing the missing hormones with medications such as hydrocortisone or prendisone for cortisol and fludrocortisone for aldosterone. Patients usually need to take medication for life and are advised to carry injectable cortisol with them at all times in case of an emergency. Standard emergency treatment for adrenal crisis includes intravenous injections of glucocorticoids and saline solution with glucose.

Addison’s Disease Day was created in 2019 by the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group, a UK-based charity that works to support people affected by Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency, and steroid dependency. The date, May 29, was chosen because it is the birthday of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was diagnosed with Addison’s disease at the age of 30, but kept his diagnosis secret; his medical information was not revealed to the public until years after his assassination.

You can get involved with Addison’s Disease Day by learning more about this rare disease and sharing what you’ve learned with others, hosting an Addison’s Afternoon Tea to raise awareness, donating to an organization that supports patients with Addison’s disease or funds research, organizing a fundraiser or awareness event in your community, and spreading the word on social media using the hashtag #AddisonsDiseaseDay.