Addison’s Disease in Women 65+: 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Addison's Disease in Women 65+: 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Addison's Disease—also called primary adrenal insufficiency—is a rare but serious condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough essential hormones, especially cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones help control blood pressure, energy levels, stress response, and salt balance in the body.

In women over 65, Addison's Disease can be particularly hard to recognize. Symptoms often develop slowly and may be mistaken for normal aging or other common health issues. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the warning signs can help you take action early and protect your health.

Below are seven important signs of Addison's Disease in women aged 65 and older, explained in clear, practical terms.

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1. Ongoing Fatigue That Doesn't Improve With Rest

Feeling tired occasionally is normal. But Addison's Disease causes deep, ongoing fatigue that does not improve with sleep or rest.

Women often describe it as:

• Feeling "drained" all day long
• Needing frequent naps
• Struggling with daily tasks that used to feel easy

This happens because cortisol plays a key role in energy production. Without enough of it, the body cannot maintain normal stamina.

Why this matters:
Persistent fatigue can reduce independence, increase fall risk, and lower overall quality of life.

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2. Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Appetite

Another common early sign of Addison's Disease is unintentional weight loss, often paired with a loss of appetite.

You may notice:

• Clothes fitting looser without trying
• Skipping meals because food doesn't appeal to you
• Feeling full quickly

Low cortisol affects digestion and metabolism, while low aldosterone can disrupt fluid and salt balance, further reducing appetite.

Important note:
Weight loss in older adults should always be taken seriously and discussed with a doctor.

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3. Low Blood Pressure and Feeling Dizzy When Standing

Addison's Disease can cause low blood pressure, especially when moving from sitting or lying down to standing.

Common experiences include:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Brief blackouts or near-fainting

This happens because aldosterone helps regulate sodium and fluid levels. When it's low, blood pressure can drop suddenly.

Why this is risky:
Dizziness increases the chance of falls, which can be especially dangerous for women over 65.

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4. Muscle Weakness and General Physical Decline

Many women with Addison's Disease report gradual muscle weakness, especially in the legs and arms.

You might notice:

• Trouble climbing stairs
• Difficulty lifting everyday objects
• A general sense of physical slowing

Low cortisol affects muscle strength and the body's ability to maintain muscle tissue.

This is often mistaken for aging, but weakness that worsens over time deserves medical attention.

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5. Digestive Problems That Don't Go Away

Digestive symptoms are common but often overlooked signs of Addison's Disease.

These may include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Occasional vomiting

Because these symptoms can come and go, they are sometimes dismissed as "stomach issues" or medication side effects.

Key point:
When digestive problems persist or appear alongside fatigue and weight loss, Addison's Disease should be considered.

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6. Changes in Mood, Memory, or Mental Clarity

Hormones affect the brain as much as the body. Addison's Disease can lead to mental and emotional changes, including:

• Low mood or depression
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things

In women over 65, these changes are sometimes mistaken for depression or early cognitive decline.

Why awareness helps:
Treating the hormone imbalance often improves mental clarity and emotional stability.

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7. Skin Changes or Craving Salty Foods

Two less obvious but telling signs of Addison's Disease include:

Skin changes

• Darkening of the skin, especially on hands, elbows, knees, or inside the mouth
• This may look like tanning without sun exposure

Strong salt cravings

• Wanting salty snacks more than usual
• Adding extra salt to meals

These occur because the body is trying to compensate for low hormone levels and sodium loss.

Not everyone has these symptoms, but when present, they are important clues.

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Why Addison's Disease Is Often Missed in Older Women

Addison's Disease is rare, and its symptoms overlap with many common conditions seen in women 65+, such as:

• Thyroid disorders
• Depression
• Digestive issues
• Medication side effects

Because symptoms develop slowly, they are often attributed to aging rather than an underlying hormone disorder.

Credible medical organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and major endocrine societies emphasize that early recognition is key to preventing serious complications.

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When to Take Action

If you recognize several of these signs, it's important to evaluate your symptoms carefully. Using a free AI-powered symptom checker for Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g. Addison Disease) can help you understand whether your symptoms align with this condition and determine if medical follow-up is needed.

Important:
A symptom check is not a diagnosis. It is a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.

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Why Speaking to a Doctor Matters

Addison's Disease is treatable, but untreated adrenal insufficiency can become life-threatening, especially during illness, injury, or severe stress.

You should speak to a doctor promptly if you experience:

• Severe weakness
• Fainting
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion
• Sudden worsening of symptoms

These may signal a medical emergency that requires immediate care.

A doctor can order blood tests and hormone evaluations to confirm or rule out Addison's Disease and guide proper treatment.

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A Reassuring Final Word

While Addison's Disease is serious, many women live full, active lives once it is properly diagnosed and managed. Awareness is the first step. Paying attention to your body, asking questions, and seeking medical advice when something doesn't feel right can make a real difference.

If any symptoms discussed here concern you—or feel new, persistent, or worsening—please speak to a doctor. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.