DefinitionAddison's disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones.Alternative NamesAdrenocortical hypofunction; Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency; Primary adrenal insufficiencyCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe adrenal glands are small hormone-secreting organs located on top of each kidney. They consist of the outer portion (called the cortex) and the inner portion (called the medulla).The cortex produces three types of hormones:The glucocorticoid hormones (such as cortisol) maintain sugar (glucose) control, decrease (suppress) immune response, and help the body respond to stress.The mineralocorticoid hormones (such as aldosterone) regulate sodium and potassium balance.The sex hormones, androgens (male) and estrogens (female), affe