The other clinical features of Addison's disease are less dramatic. Weakness and weight loss are almost invariable. Anorexia, nausea, and vague abdominal symptoms including pain, diarrhoea, or constipation, are common. Symptoms suggestive of postural hypotension include dizziness and attacks of fainting on standing. It should be noted, however, that postural hypotension may only occur late in the course of the disease and therefore its absence does not preclude the diagnosis.
Occasionally, hypoglycaemia may occur. The patient's ability to respond to stress is markedly impaired and thus the history may include a failure to recover normally after surgery or intercurrent illness.
