Chapter 17 - Section 17.7 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 670: 4

**Cushing Syndrome**: Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for an extended period. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and helps regulate various bodily functions. Cushing syndrome can be caused by various factors, including: 1. **Adrenal Tumors**: Tumors in the adrenal glands, either benign or malignant, can lead to excess cortisol production. 2. **Pituitary Tumors**: Tumors in the pituitary gland can cause excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. 3. **Iatrogenic Causes**: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, for medical conditions like asthma, autoimmune disorders, and organ transplants, can lead to Cushing syndrome. **Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome**: - Weight gain, particularly in the face (moon face) and abdomen (central obesity) - Muscle weakness and atrophy - Thin and fragile skin, easy bruising - Purple or red stretch marks (striae) - High blood pressure - Glucose intolerance and diabetes - Osteoporosis - Mood changes and depression - Irregular menstrual cycles in women - Excess hair growth (hirsutism) and acne **Adrenogenital Syndrome (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia)**: Adrenogenital syndrome, also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), is a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands' ability to produce hormones, primarily cortisol and aldosterone. The most common form of CAH is due to a deficiency in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, which is required for cortisol synthesis. This deficiency can lead to an overproduction of androgens (male sex hormones) and other related hormones. **Symptoms of Adrenogenital Syndrome**: - Ambiguous genitalia in females, leading to masculinization of the external genitalia (virilization) - Enlarged clitoris in females (clitoromegaly) - Early puberty in both males and females due to increased androgen production - Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of menstruation in females - Rapid growth during childhood, leading to shorter adult height due to premature closure of growth plates - Excess hair growth (hirsutism) in females - Acne and oily skin - Salt-wasting, leading to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration (in severe cases) Both Cushing syndrome and adrenogenital syndrome require proper diagnosis and management by healthcare professionals. Treatment approaches may include medication, surgery, and hormone replacement therapy, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

**Cushing Syndrome**: Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for an extended period. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and helps regulate various bodily functions. Cushing syndrome can be caused by various factors, including: 1. **Adrenal Tumors**: Tumors in the adrenal glands, either benign or malignant, can lead to excess cortisol production. 2. **Pituitary Tumors**: Tumors in the pituitary gland can cause excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. 3. **Iatrogenic Causes**: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, for medical conditions like asthma, autoimmune disorders, and organ transplants, can lead to Cushing syndrome. **Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome**: - Weight gain, particularly in the face (moon face) and abdomen (central obesity) - Muscle weakness and atrophy - Thin and fragile skin, easy bruising - Purple or red stretch marks (striae) - High blood pressure - Glucose intolerance and diabetes - Osteoporosis - Mood changes and depression - Irregular menstrual cycles in women - Excess hair growth (hirsutism) and acne **Adrenogenital Syndrome (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia)**: Adrenogenital syndrome, also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), is a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands' ability to produce hormones, primarily cortisol and aldosterone. The most common form of CAH is due to a deficiency in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, which is required for cortisol synthesis. This deficiency can lead to an overproduction of androgens (male sex hormones) and other related hormones. **Symptoms of Adrenogenital Syndrome**: - Ambiguous genitalia in females, leading to masculinization of the external genitalia (virilization) - Enlarged clitoris in females (clitoromegaly) - Early puberty in both males and females due to increased androgen production - Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of menstruation in females - Rapid growth during childhood, leading to shorter adult height due to premature closure of growth plates - Excess hair growth (hirsutism) in females - Acne and oily skin - Salt-wasting, leading to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration (in severe cases) Both Cushing syndrome and adrenogenital syndrome require proper diagnosis and management by healthcare professionals. Treatment approaches may include medication, surgery, and hormone replacement therapy, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.