Under secretion of the adrenocortical hormones leads to which condition?

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

Answer: (B)

Under secretion of adrenocortical hormones means the adrenal cortex isn’t making enough cortisol and aldosterone. When these hormones are deficient over time, the body loses its ability to regulate blood pressure, salt and water balance, and energy metabolism, especially during stress. This leads to Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), characterized by fatigue and weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, and often darkening of the skin due to high ACTH. Lab clues include hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, with a tendency toward low glucose as well. In an acute crisis, this can become life-threatening and requires prompt hormonal replacement and fluid support.

Cushing’s syndrome, by contrast, results from excessive adrenocortical hormone levels, not a deficiency. Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are thyroid disorders, not adrenal, so they involve different glands and mechanisms.