Hydrocortisone replacement in Addison's disease provides which type of hormonal activity?

• A. Only glucocorticoid
• B. Only mineralocorticoid
• C. Both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid
• D. No hormonal activity

Answer: (C)

Hydrocortisone is cortisol, the natural adrenal corticosteroid that has both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid effects. In Addison’s disease the adrenal cortex can’t produce either cortisol or aldosterone, so replacing with hydrocortisone covers the metabolic actions of cortisol (glucose regulation, stress response, anti-inflammatory effects) and also provides mineralocorticoid activity to help with electrolyte balance and blood pressure. In practice, some patients still need additional mineralocorticoid replacement (like fludrocortisone) for full mineralocorticoid management, but hydrocortisone itself carries both types of activity.