Education
Empowering Canadians living with adrenal insufficiency, their families, and healthcare providers with knowledge is at the heart of our mission. At The Canadian Addison Society, we are dedicated to providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date information about Addison’s disease and all forms of adrenal insufficiency.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or a healthcare professional seeking resources, our education hub is here to help you understand the condition, navigate daily life, and manage adrenal health with confidence. From symptom awareness and treatment guidance to emergency preparedness and lifestyle tips, our educational materials are designed to support informed, proactive care at every stage.
Explore our resources to learn, connect, and take charge of adrenal health — because informed individuals lead stronger, healthier lives.
Thanks to Gino Innamorato, for sharing his lived experience about adrenal conditions with my class in our Disability Minor at Conestoga College. Nursing and early childhood educators were able to gain valuable insights into care and advocacy of adrenal conditions.The sharing of lived experiences is key to allowing students to grasp that disease is more than statistics and expectations about what is, and is not, normal. Thank you!
For newly diagnosed
Just diagnosed with Addison’s disease? You're not alone.
Receiving a diagnosis of Addison’s disease — or other forms of Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) — can feel overwhelming. You may have questions, concerns, and uncertainty about what comes next. That’s completely normal.
The good news is that Addison’s disease is manageable with proper treatment, education, and support. With the right care, most people with Addison’s live full, active, and healthy lives.
This section is designed especially for you — to help you understand your condition, learn about treatment, recognize symptoms, and feel more confident in managing daily life. You’ll also find guidance on stress dosing, preventing adrenal crises, and connecting with others who understand what you're going through.
You are not alone. The Canadian Addison Society is here to support you every step of the way.
Start by understanding the basics — and take it one step at a time.
Addison's Disease is a rare hormonal disorder which affects approximately 1 to 2 per 100,000 people. It affects men and women alike and occurs in all age groups, including children.
Addison's disease is caused mainly by an autoimmune reaction of your body (formerly a large percentage of Addison’s disease was caused by tuberculosis), trauma with hemorrhage into the adrenals and surgery. Fungal infections as well as carcinoma can also be the cause.
Addison's disease occurs when there is chronic primary adrenal insufficiency or when the adrenal glands, the small glands that are located above each kidney, cease to function properly, this is also referred to as hypoadrenalism.
The adrenal glands are made up of two parts; the inner part called the medulla, which regulates epinephrine commonly known as adrenaline, which is produced in times of stress. The inner part is usually not affected by Addison's Disease. The outer part, the more critical is the adrenal cortex and it produces many hormones, the two more important ones being cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are necessary to sustain life.
Cortisol
- belongs to a family of hormones called glucocorticoids
- helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function
- helps mobilize nutrients and modify the body's response to inflammation
- helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy
- helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats
- helps the body to respond to stress
Aldosterone
- belongs to a family of hormones called mineralocorticoids
- helps to maintain proper sodium (salt) and potassium balance
Symptoms of Addison's Disease
- salt craving
- weakness and fatigue
- hyperpigmentation of skin and mucous membranes
- weight loss
- nausea, vomiting
- constipation or diarrhea
- low blood pressure
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- confusion
- fainting, particularly on standing up
- muscle complaints
For members
Coming Soon: Members-Only Section
We’re excited to announce that The Canadian Addison Society will soon be launching a Members-Only area of our website — a dedicated space designed to offer even more value to our community.
As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to:
- Extended educational materials and in-depth resources
- Webinar registration on topics like adrenal crisis management, medication tips, and mental health
- Virtual support groups to connect with others who understand life with adrenal insufficiency
- Special member updates, opportunities to get involved, and more
This new section is part of our commitment to deepen support, expand access to knowledge, and build a stronger community for everyone affected by Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency.
Stay tuned — we can’t wait to share it with you!
For caregivers & families
When someone you care about is diagnosed with Addison’s disease, it can raise many questions — about what the condition means, how to help, and what to expect moving forward. As a caregiver, family member, or close friend, your support plays a vital role in your loved one’s well-being.
Our support groups and resources are designed to help you understand Addison’s disease, recognize important symptoms, respond confidently in emergency situations, and support your loved one in living a full and active life. You’ll also find practical tips on daily care, emotional support, and preparing for times of illness, stress, or travel.
We know that caregiving comes with both challenges and rewards. The Canadian Addison Society is here to provide the knowledge, tools, and community you need to feel informed, empowered, and connected.
Together, we can ensure no one faces adrenal insufficiency alone.
For physicians
At The Canadian Addison Society, we recognize the essential role healthcare providers play in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency. This section is in development and will be designed to support your clinical practice with concise, evidence-based resources to help you provide informed, timely, and compassionate care.
Here, you’ll find up-to-date information on:
- Recognizing early signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency
- Diagnostic protocols and testing guidelines
- Treatment regimens and patient education strategies
- Emergency management of adrenal crisis
- Special considerations for pediatric, surgical, and chronic care patients
We'll also offer tools to help you better educate and empower your patients, along with opportunities to connect with professional development resources, webinars, and collaborative initiatives.
Together, we can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with adrenal insufficiency across Canada. Send us a note to let us know how we can support you!
Surgical Guidelines
This Surgical Guidelines document is published for the convenience of attending physicians.
Injection Kit
Injectable hydrocortisone is given intramuscularly, which means that it is injected into a large muscle. When giving yourself an injection, the easiest and best place to give it is in the thigh on the same side as your dominant hand (for example, the right thigh if you are right-handed). Adults should always carry injectable medication with them, especially when they travel. If you have a child with AI, you or the child’s caregiver must always carry the child’s medication. If the child is in school, the school nurse must know about your child’s condition.
Brochures & Holder Program
We are pleased to introduce our complimentary Brochures & Holder Program, an important element of our ongoing Awareness Campaign. If you are a person living with Addison's Disease and feel your doctor(s) may be interested in contributing a little bit of counter space for our Brochures, please email us.