What is the primary cause of Addison's disease?

Addison's disease is primarily characterized by a deficiency of adrenal hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone. This occurs when the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, do not produce sufficient amounts of these vital hormones. The most common cause of Addison's disease is autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the adrenal glands, leading to a significant reduction in hormone production.

Cortisol is crucial for various bodily functions, including the response to stress, metabolism regulation, and blood sugar levels. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by regulating sodium and potassium levels. When there is a deficiency in these hormones, individuals may experience symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation.

While other options mention hormone production issues, they do not accurately describe the underlying issue in Addison's disease, which is predominantly the deficiency of these essential hormones.