Every woman dreads menopause and the difficult symptoms that it brings. But many of us know that we have a good 40 years after puberty in order to prepare for it. One little girl has not been so lucky. Her childhood has been fast-tracked by a rare disorder that has caused her to move through puberty and into menopause by age 5.
Emily’s Story
Emily Dover, from New South Wales in Australia, was just two years old when she began developing breasts, body odor, and acne. By age four she began menstruating due to a rare condition called Addison’s Disease.
When Emily first started her period at age four she thought that she had soiled herself. She would wake daily with swollen wrists and ankles; sore, itchy breasts and very painful bone growth issues.
On top of this, Emily is constantly bullied at school for her weight, which is a repercussion of her disease.
“She hasn’t even had a chance to be a little girl.” says her mother, Tam[1]. Her parents are afraid that their little girl will always be seen as the ‘different kid’ in school which will greatly affect her childhood experience and emotional state.
Emily’s parents react calmly to their child’s symptoms in the hopes that she will do the same. They say that Emily is aware that her body is different from that of other 5-year-old girls though she has no idea why.
Doctor’s Dismissed Her For Years
Emily endured years of doctor’s visits, who dismissed her height as genetic and her vomiting and infections as a result of her daycare attendance.
Finally, after countless blood tests that revealed she had the hormone levels of a pregnant woman, Emily was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease. In addition to that, she also has central precocious puberty – where puberty starts too early in children, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, autism, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety.
In order to treat her disease, Emily will undergo expensive monthly injections that will kick-start her body into menopause. That means that while Emily’s friends are out playing football and jump rope, she will be experiencing hot flashes, headaches and the whole nine-yards of menopausal symptoms.
Addison’s Disease Unveiled
While Addison’s Disease typically develops slowly, there is a possibility for the symptoms to appear suddenly, like in Emily’s case.
Addison’s Disease results from damaged adrenal glands; these are located just above the kidney, and they produce hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone that give instructions to all organs in the body. Their proper function is crucial in maintaining a healthy body, and any damage to the glands can cause serious symptoms for the individual.
Symptoms of Addison’s Disease
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Low blood pressure, even fainting
- Salt craving
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint pains
- Irritability
- Depression
- Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women
The Next Steps: What to Do If You Suspect Adrenal Insufficiency
Addison’s Disease affects both male and female individuals equally. It is classified as a rare condition, affecting 1 in 100,000 in the United States[3]. It can affect people of all ages, but the most common are between the ages of 30-50 years.
Despite the fact that it occurs more commonly in adults, it is still possible for children to develop it, so it’s important to understand the signs, and the steps to take if you suspect that you or your loved ones may have the disease.
The first step in treatment is to consult a doctor. A blood test, as well as a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen, will reveal if Addison’s Disease is the cause of the symptoms. The treatment process is unique to each individual, but there are some commonalities between cases.
Hormone Replacement
When there is an adrenal insufficiency in the body and the adrenal glands are not making essential hormones, the condition is treated by substituting or replacing the hormones. This process is unique to each individual’s body and will need to be discussed with a doctor.
Monitor the Individual
Those with adrenal insufficiencies will need to be monitored closely. Times of increased stress, such as an injury or even strenuous sports, can cause a change in the cortisol levels. Changing hormones can affect the health of the individual, so it’s important to monitor during times of potential stress.
Diet and Nutrition
When people with Addison’s Disease are aldosterone deficient, they can benefit from a high sodium diet. If this is the case, a doctor will be able to measure the appropriate amount of sodium for each individual[4].
Treatment with steroids is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, which can cause bones to become less dense and fracture. Ensuring that your diet has enough calcium and vitamin D is important in maintaining good bone health[4].
Though Addison’s Disease is a rare condition, it is something that can be shocking to those who are affected, especially if the symptoms arrive at an early age. You can protect yourself and your family by knowing the symptoms and the steps to take towards treatment.
Sources:
[1] Alexandra Thompson. (October 9, 2017). Five Year Old Girl with Adrenal Gland Disorder Grew Breasts at Two, Started Her Period at Four and is Now Going Through the Menopause. Retrieved on October 20, 2017 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4963628/Five-year-old-going-menopause.html
[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. Addison’s Disease. Retrieved on October 20, 2017 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/symptoms-causes/dxc-20155757
[3] National Organization for Rare Disorders Staff. Addison’s Disease. Retrieved on October 20, 2017 from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/addisons-disease/
[4] Fawn Hansen. Addison’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment. Retrieved on October 20, 2017 from https://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/addisons-disease/
Image Sources:
i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/09/18/452C19E400000578-4963628-image-a-35_1507570629597.jpg
i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/09/18/452C19EF00000578-4963628-image-a-34_1507570620133.jpg
/i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/09/18/452C19DE00000578-4963628-image-a-36_1507570634203.jpg
