Replacement therapy, hormone mineralocorticoids

An endocrine disorder first described by the British Physician Thomas Addison in the mid 1800 s. The adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient amounts of glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol) and sometime mineralocorticoid (aldosterone). If left untreated it is life-threatening, the patient will show muscle weakness, hyperpigmentation and even depression. Typical treatment is hydrocortisone replacement therapy. 

Small quantities of progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol are also produced by the adrenal gland. However, they play a minor role compared to the testicular and ovarian hormones. Progesterone, which is the precursor of cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and estradiol, is synthesized from 5-pregnenolone by 3-P-ol-dehydrogenase. Deficiency of this enzyme results in cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies. Such patients require replacement therapy with both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. 

---