What are the potential consequences of undiagnosed Addison's Disease?

Undiagnosed Addison's Disease can lead to significant consequences primarily related to hormonal deficiencies, particularly the lack of cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol plays a key role in stress response, metabolism, and maintaining glucose levels. In the absence of adequate cortisol, individuals may experience hypotension due to the inability of the body to respond effectively to stressors. Additionally, a deficiency in aldosterone disrupts the balance of sodium and potassium, leading to electrolyte imbalances. This can result in hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium), further causing complications such as weakness, fatigue, and potential cardiovascular issues.

Hypotension is a direct result of insufficient adrenal hormones that are crucial for regulating blood pressure. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious consequences, such as cardiac arrhythmias or crisis if untreated. The combination of these effects underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and management of Addison's Disease to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions.

In contrast, other options like hyperglycemia, hypertension, or weight gain are not typical consequences of Addison's Disease, as the hormonal deficiency usually results in lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure, and often leads to weight loss rather than gain.