HPA Axis Disorders Overview

<p>5 mg (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hydrocortisone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Catecholamines (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune destruction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Involves deficiency of ACTH secretion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hyperpigmentation of skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cortisol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cortisol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cushing’s Syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Glucocorticoid therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hypertension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is the target for ACTH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Weight gain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Primary adrenal insufficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sympathetic nervous system activation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A morning cortisol level between 6 AM and 9 AM of 500 nmol/L effectively rules out primary adrenal insufficiency.

Oral contraceptives can increase cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) levels, leading to elevated total cortisol levels.

Hydrocortisone is a short-acting glucocorticoid with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity.

Prednisone is an intermediate-acting glucocorticoid with a higher glucocorticoid to mineralocorticoid activity ratio.

Methylprednisolone is an intermediate-acting glucocorticoid with a higher glucocorticoid to mineralocorticoid activity ratio compared to prednisolone.

The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and are composed of two parts: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.

The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines, primarily adrenaline and noradrenaline, in response to stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system.

The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing three types of hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens.

Cortisol, the main glucocorticoid, regulates enzyme levels for metabolism and plays a role in limiting inflammation and immune responses. It also has a permissive role in blood pressure maintenance.

Aldosterone, the primary mineralocorticoid, regulates electrolyte balance by controlling sodium and potassium levels in the body, primarily in the kidneys.

Adrenal androgens, primarily testosterone, are produced in smaller amounts and contribute to secondary sex characteristics.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex, responsible for regulating stress response and cortisol production.

Cushing's Syndrome is a condition caused by excess cortisol production, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and mood changes.

Addison's Disease is a condition caused by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin pigmentation changes.

Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's Disease, is caused by destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, most commonly due to an autoimmune disorder.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland fails to produce enough ACTH, leading to inadequate cortisol production.

Hyperprolactinemia is the excessive production of prolactin, a hormone primarily secreted by the pituitary gland, which can cause various symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and galactorrhea.

Management of adrenocortical insufficiency, like Addison's Disease, involves hormone replacement therapy with corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids to replenish the deficient hormones.

Management of adrenal excess, like Cushing's Syndrome, may involve surgery to remove adrenal tumors, medication to suppress cortisol production, or radiation therapy.

Management of hyperprolactinemia may involve medication to suppress prolactin production, surgery to remove pituitary tumors, or dopamine agonists to stimulate dopamine receptors.