It can affect people of any age, although it's most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also more common in women than men.Įarly-stage symptoms of Addison’s disease are similar to other more common health conditions such as depression or flu. You may experience: The adrenal gland is damaged in Addison's disease, so it does not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.Ībout 8,400 people in the UK have Addison's disease. They produce two essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. Addison’s disease - also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism - is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands.