Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Hormone Regulation

A disorder caused by high levels of glucocorticoids, leading to various symptoms.

Swelling in the extremities, often caused by glucocorticoid-induced diabetes.

A condition where the body doesn't respond properly to insulin, especially in glucocorticoid-related diabetes.

A condition where the body doesn't produce enough glucocorticoids.

A rare chronic disorder where adrenal glands don't produce enough steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids).

Breakdown of muscle tissue due to hormonal imbalances, like high glucocorticoids.

Darkening of the skin due to excessive ACTH in Addison's disease.

Adrenal insufficiency leading to low sodium, high potassium, and hypotension in Addison's disease.

A condition with excessive cortisol levels in the body, often associated with Cushing's syndrome.

A group of health issues resulting from high levels of cortisol, regardless of the cause.

Hypercortisolism caused by a pituitary tumor that produces too much ACTH.

A hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol; (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone).

A genetic condition causing an imbalance in steroid production, resulting in various symptoms, including virilism in females.

High blood sugar levels, often seen in hypercortisolism.

A system of organs that regulate stress response, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

Glucocorticoids that are taken from an outside source, typically medicine.

A particular facial appearance caused by fluid retention, associated with some endocrine disorders.

Enlargement of the heart, often a consequence of prolonged high blood pressure.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone.

Cortisol is synthesized in the adrenal cortex.

Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and differ in ring structure and attached side chains.

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and freely permeable to membranes.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) release is regulated, affecting cortisol release.

Cortisol increases plasma glucose levels.

Cortisol's effects are seen in multiple organs and systems.

A condition caused by too much cortisol.

A condition caused by insufficient cortisol.

Steroid hormones are carried in the blood by binding globulins.

Cortisol inhibits glucose uptake by body cells (except brain) elevating blood glucose levels. It stimulates glucose production in the liver (gluconeogenesis).

Cortisol stimulates the breakdown of proteins. This process releases amino acids into the bloodstream.

Cortisol stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

Cortisol suppresses the immune system and inflammation.

Cortisol's ability to suppress the immune system makes it useful in organ transplantation.

An enzyme that inactivates cortisol, preventing it from acting as a mineralocorticoid.

A receptor in cells that binds to cortisol but is less sensitive to its effects compared to the glucocorticoid receptor.

The process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

High cortisol levels can cause problems like water imbalance, weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

During times of stress, the nervous system becomes the primary user of glucose in the body.

A receptor in cells that responds to aldosterone, a hormone involved in sodium balance.

Blocking this enzyme allows cortisol to act like mineralocorticoid, leading to issues like sodium retention and elevated blood pressure.

The network of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands that controls stress responses and cortisol production.

Cortisol regulates its own production by negatively affecting hormones related to its production.

A condition of low cortisol production leading to symptoms like low blood sugar.