Addison's disease results from destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex leading to a deficiency in which hormones?

Addison's disease results from destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex leading to a deficiency in which hormones?

• A. Cortisol, aldosterone, adrenal androgens
• B. Insulin
• C. Thyroid hormones
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (A)

Addisson’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency caused by destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, which leads to a lack of all hormones produced there. The adrenal cortex makes cortisol (a glucocorticoid), aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), and adrenal androgens. When the cortex isn’t functioning, these three hormones become deficient. Cortisol helps with stress response, metabolism, and energy; aldosterone regulates sodium and water balance and blood pressure; adrenal androgens contribute to secondary sexual characteristics and overall androgen activity. So the deficiency in Addison’s involves cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. Insulin comes from the pancreas, thyroid hormones come from the thyroid gland, and growth hormone comes from the pituitary gland, so they are not affected by adrenal cortex destruction in Addison’s.

Addisson’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency caused by destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, which leads to a lack of all hormones produced there. The adrenal cortex makes cortisol (a glucocorticoid), aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), and adrenal androgens. When the cortex isn’t functioning, these three hormones become deficient. Cortisol helps with stress response, metabolism, and energy; aldosterone regulates sodium and water balance and blood pressure; adrenal androgens contribute to secondary sexual characteristics and overall androgen activity. So the deficiency in Addison’s involves cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens.

Insulin comes from the pancreas, thyroid hormones come from the thyroid gland, and growth hormone comes from the pituitary gland, so they are not affected by adrenal cortex destruction in Addison’s.