![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The gland has a central portion known as the medulla and an outer layer known as the cortex. There are two adrenal glands – one on either side. The adrenal gland sits at the top of the kidney. Although it can also occur in children, Addison disease is more common among adults particularly in the 30 to 50 year age group. Addison disease due to unknown causes is slightly more common among females but overall there is no significant gender difference. It occurs in about 4 to 6 out of 100,000 people. The effects and symptoms of Addison disease is therefore due to lower than normal levels of mineralcorticoids and glucocorticoids as well as androgens to some extent. Addison disease means that the production of these hormones are impaired. Small amounts of male hormones (androgens) are also produced in the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is mainly responsible for the production and secretion of two types of hormones – mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. The impairment is not a consequence of any other disease and is therefore referred to as primary adrenocortical insufficiency. This means that functions of the outer portion of the adrenal gland known as the cortex is impaired. Addison disease is the term for primary adrenocortical insufficiency. ![]()
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