Which hormonal disorder is characterized by excessive thirst and urine output?

The hormonal disorder characterized by excessive thirst and urine output is diabetes insipidus. This condition results from a deficiency of the hormone vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland. When there is inadequate ADH, the kidneys are unable to properly concentrate urine, leading to an increase in urine output (polyuria) and subsequent excessive thirst (polydipsia) as the body attempts to compensate for the fluid loss.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus, while it also causes increased thirst and urination due to high blood sugar levels, involves different mechanisms related to insulin deficiency or resistance. Hypoparathyroidism is related to calcium balance and does not typically present with these specific symptoms. Adrenal insufficiency may lead to a variety of symptoms related to cortisol deficiency, but it is not characterized by excessive thirst and urine output in the same way diabetes insipidus is.

Therefore, diabetes insipidus specifically captures the syndrome of excessive thirst and urine output, highlighting its distinct pathophysiology related to hormone imbalance.