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Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers

Published on: January 5, 2024

Fibromyalgia-Like Syndrome Secondary to Addison's Disease.

Y Kaganov¹, N Gattas, D Rimon

¹Internal Medicine Department - B, Nahariya Regional Hospital, Israel.

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology : Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases

|December 17, 2008

Summary

A case study reveals fibromyalgia symptoms resolved after treating autoimmune Addison's disease. This suggests Addison's disease should be considered in fibromyalgia-like syndromes.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers

Published on: January 5, 2024

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine

Background:

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
While hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis alterations are noted in fibromyalgia, adrenal cortex disease links are unestablished.
Fibromyalgia can co-occur with connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

To report the first documented case of fibromyalgia secondary to Addison's disease.
To highlight the importance of considering adrenal insufficiency in fibromyalgia-like presentations.
To investigate the potential link between autoimmune Addison's disease and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Main Methods:

Case report of a 46-year-old woman presenting with fibromyalgia-like symptoms.
Clinical evaluation including assessment for skin pigmentation, hypertension, and hyponatremia.
Diagnostic workup leading to the identification of autoimmune Addison's disease.

Main Results:

The patient exhibited fibromyalgia criteria, skin pigmentation, mild hypertension, and hyponatremia.
Diagnosis confirmed as autoimmune Addison's disease.
Fibromyalgia symptoms resolved completely following steroid replacement therapy.

Conclusions:

This case establishes a potential link between fibromyalgia and Addison's disease.
Autoimmune Addison's disease is a treatable cause of fibromyalgia-like syndromes.
Adrenal insufficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with fibromyalgia-like symptoms.