Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of which hormones?

• A. Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• B. Cortisol and aldosterone
• C. Insulin and glucagon
• D. Thyroid hormones

Answer: (B)

Addison's disease is a form of primary adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal cortex fails to produce enough glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The hormones made by the adrenal cortex are cortisol, which helps regulate metabolism and the body’s response to stress, and aldosterone, which controls sodium and potassium balance and helps maintain blood pressure. When these are deficient, you get fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte abnormalities. This is why cortisol and aldosterone are the correct match for Addison's disease—it's a problem of the adrenal cortex’s output. Adrenaline and noradrenaline come from the adrenal medulla, not the cortex, and insulin/glucagon come from the pancreas, while thyroid hormones come from the thyroid gland.