What condition is caused by an overproduction of cortisol?

Cushing's syndrome is a condition characterized by an overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This overproduction can result from various causes, such as a tumor in the pituitary gland (Cushing's disease), an adrenal tumor, or ectopic production of ACTH from another tumor in the body.

The excess cortisol primarily leads to a range of metabolic and psychosocial changes in the body. Clinically, patients may present with obesity, muscle weakness, thinning skin, easy bruising, and hypertension, among other symptoms. The diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests to measure cortisol levels, and imaging studies.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus is characterized by issues with insulin production or action, hypothyroidism involves insufficient production of thyroid hormones, and Addison's disease results from an underproduction of adrenal hormones, including cortisol. These conditions reflect different hormonal imbalances and pathophysiological processes than those seen in Cushing's syndrome.