Which condition is a hormonal disorder caused by long-term exposure to cortisol?

• A. Cushing's syndrome
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Hormone imbalance

Answer: (A)

Prolonged exposure to cortisol causes Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder arising from persistently high cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and when levels remain elevated—whether from long-term steroid use or overproduction by the pituitary or adrenal glands—the body develops characteristic signs. These include central obesity, a rounded face, fat pads between the shoulders, thinning skin with easy bruising, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and muscle weakness. This is different from diabetes mellitus (which centers on insulin and glucose regulation), hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone), or a vague “hormone imbalance,” which doesn’t specify cortisol.