Cushing's disease is caused by an adenoma, which is a benign tumor, on the pituitary gland. An excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is caused by the pituitary tumor. ACTH signals the adrenal gland to produce high amounts of...
The adrenals are triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of each kidney. They contain two types of tissue. The inner medulla secretes hormones like adrenaline or epinephrine that help the body's response to stress by increasing heart rate, blood...
Women may experience a stray chin hair from time to time, but facial hair, such as mustaches and beards, is not normal and can indicate an underlying disease or condition. If you notice excess facial hair, it is important to see your doctor so...
Nandrolone decanoate is an injectable anabolic steroid. It increases muscle mass by stimulating protein synthesis. Nandrolone decanoate is mainly used to treat anemia caused by kidney problems. Nandrolone is also used to increase appetite and...
According to the National Institutes of Health, Megace, generically known as megestrol, is a drug used to treat extreme weight loss and loss of appetite in patients suffering from diseases like AIDS and cancer. Megace is also used in the treatment...
Cushing's syndrome is a group of physical abnormalities caused by long-term exposure to high levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol, or by prescription corticosteroids. This disorder is sometimes referred to as hypercortisolism. Increased cortisol...
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the body by the adrenal cortex. Blood cortisol levels are often checked to evaluate the function of the adrenal and pituitary glands. Fluctuation in cortisol levels can indicate diseases such as...
Medications such as prednisone can have a number of side effects. Sometimes these can put you at increased risk of developing certain complications, such as heart disease. If you take prednisone in high doses or for an extended period of time,...
Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that results when the body experiences excessive amounts of the stress hormone cortisol over an extended period. Cortisol is an important hormone whose primary...
Cushing's disease is a condition of excessive production of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands in response to stimulation from another hormone called ACTH, which is secreted by the brain. Other causes of...
DHEA, or dehydropiandrosterone, is a naturally-occurring hormone in the body that is produced in the adrenal gland. The secretion of this hormone helps to regulate all other hormonal activities. After the age of 20, DHEA amounts begin to decrease...
Hirsutism refers to a condition in which women grow hair in places such as the face, chest and back. In other words, women display a male-pattern of hair growth. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of hirsutism include a deepening of the voice, acne,...
Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is an endocrine disorder. Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include a large hump between the shoulder blades, rounded face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin as well as high...
The adrenal glands are a pair of small organs that are located just above both kidneys. The adrenal gland is divided into two main parts: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing hormones that are...
Resistance to weight loss may occur as the result of a chronic condition, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome. Difficulty losing weight may also occur due to lifestyle factors such as chronic stress. In addition, periods of weight loss...
The body produces carbon dioxide as a waste product during cellular metabolism. This substance helps transport oxygen from the bloodstream to the organs and tissues of the body. It also plays a role in cardiovascular system function and the...
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Cortisol affects an array of body systems, including circulatory, immune, nervous and stress response systems, according to the National Institute of Health. When...
During your child's doctor visits, your child's height and weight will likely be recorded on a growth chart that allows her doctor to monitor her growth patterns. According to Kids Health, a sudden change in growth patterns may indicate a problem....
Cushing's disease, also known as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of body tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol in the body is caused by long-term use of glucocorticoid drugs...
Cushing's disease, a rarely occurring endocrine disorder characterized by an over secretion of hormones from a pituitary tumor, can be treated effectively with surgery, radiation or medication. However, if left untreated, Cushing's disease can...
The most common cause of weight gain is eating more calories than you consume. However, when certain medical conditions arise, weight gain can occur rapidly, indicating one of numerous potentially serious conditions. If you experience rapid weight...
Seasonal overindulgence, temporary hormonal imbalance or lapses in our exercise routines are all typical explanations for packing on a few extra pounds. However, rapid weight gain for no apparent reason, especially if accompanied by such symptoms...
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is released from the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidneys. Its main functions are to control glucose and insulin, to aid in metabolic processes and to suppress the immune system. Cortisol also plays an...
Unexplained weight gain, often called unintentional weight gain, refers to weight gain that occurs without a person's intentional efforts toward increasing weight. A variety of factors may cause such weight gain, including illnesses, medications...
The adrenal glands are small hormone-producing structures that sit on top of the kidneys. These glands secrete several hormones, including aldosterone, cortisol and adrenalin, all of which affect blood pressure. An excessive level of any of these...
Metabolism is a body process in which energy is acquired from ingested food. Chemicals in the body break food down into sugars and acids, which provide energy to the body. This energy may be used immediately or stored in the body for later use,...
Your body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. The range for a healthy BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. As your BMI increases above the healthy range, your risk of developing serious health problems increases. A BMI of...
Health conditions and medications may cause rapid weight gain. According to a Natural News article, antipsychotic drugs may cause rapid weight gain in younger patients in addition to raising triglycerides and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels in...
Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a medication used to manage adrenal gland disorders. The adrenal gland sits on top of your kidneys and is responsible for making hormones such as cortisol. According to Drugs.com, Depo-Medrol also treats severe...
