Which disease is caused by insufficient cortisol production?

Which disease is caused by insufficient cortisol production?

• A. Graves’ disease
• B. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• C. Addison's disease
• D. Cushing's disease

Answer: (C)

Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays critical roles in various bodily functions, including the regulation of metabolism, immune response, and maintaining blood pressure. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. The other conditions listed are related to different hormonal imbalances or immune system disorders. For example, Graves' disease is caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased thyroid hormone production. Cushing's disease, on the other hand, is caused by an overproduction of cortisol, often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland. Thus, Addison's disease is the only condition in this list directly associated with insufficient cortisol production.

Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays critical roles in various bodily functions, including the regulation of metabolism, immune response, and maintaining blood pressure. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

The other conditions listed are related to different hormonal imbalances or immune system disorders. For example, Graves' disease is caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased thyroid hormone production. Cushing's disease, on the other hand, is caused by an overproduction of cortisol, often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland. Thus, Addison's disease is the only condition in this list directly associated with insufficient cortisol production.