{"id":1814,"date":"2024-02-01T13:21:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T13:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1814"},"modified":"2026-01-08T12:26:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T20:26:15","slug":"a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol","title":{"rendered":"A Quick Reference Guide to Conditions Related to Cortisol"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#Hypercortisolism\" >Hypercortisolism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#Hypocortisolism\" >Hypocortisolism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#More_Common_Conditions\" >More Common Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#Reviewer\" >Reviewer<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Get an overview of cortisol\u2019s physiological roles, its regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and related disorders such as hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common topic of discussion in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/entry\/high-cortisol-levels-another-tiktok-fad-or-something-you-should-worry-about_uk_64244ff1e4b049e21e2fc38d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">media<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Cortisol\"><strong>cortisol<\/strong><\/a> has been an ongoing focus for researchers due to the <strong>major impact it has on our health<\/strong>. <strong>Disrupting cortisol levels<\/strong> can lead to a variety of <strong>health issues<\/strong>, ranging from complications with the <strong>adrenal and pituitary glands<\/strong> to the <strong>negative effects of long-term medication use<\/strong>. Cortisol also affects our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8584322\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mental health<\/a><\/strong>, with studies suggesting links between <strong>elevated cortisol levels<\/strong>, <strong>anxiety<\/strong>, and <strong>depression<\/strong>. It also plays a role in <strong>metabolism<\/strong>, <strong>immune function<\/strong>, and <strong>circadian rhythm regulation<\/strong>, with studies underway on the effects of <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/chronic cortisol exposure\">chronic cortisol exposure<\/a><\/strong> and <strong>increased risk of chronic conditions<\/strong> such as <strong>cardiovascular disease<\/strong>, <strong>metabolic disorders<\/strong>, and <strong>immune system dysfunction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>steroid hormone produced by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Adrenal_gland_histology\">adrenal glands<\/a><\/strong>, cortisol plays a <strong>vital role in the body<\/strong>, such as helping <strong>maintain blood pressure<\/strong>, <strong>regulate glucose metabolism<\/strong>, <strong>reduce inflammation<\/strong>, and <strong>mediate stress<\/strong>. The <strong>hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis<\/strong> manages cortisol within a narrow range to support these functions. Specifically, the <strong>hypothalamus<\/strong> releases <strong>corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)<\/strong> to stimulate the <strong>anterior pituitary gland<\/strong> to release <strong>adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)<\/strong>, which then triggers the <strong>adrenal glands<\/strong> to produce cortisol. In some cases, there\u2019s either <strong>too much or too little cortisol<\/strong> in the body due to <strong>HPA axis dysfunction<\/strong>. Let\u2019s take a closer look at some <strong>conditions related to cortisol levels<\/strong>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"573\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Illustration of the human kidneys with adrenal glands on top, showing the renal arteries and veins connecting to a central blood vessel, depicted in a simple, cartoon-like anatomical style.\" class=\"wp-image-1817\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7853989378719048;width:386px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png 2338w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?resize=300,168 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?resize=768,430 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?resize=1024,573 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?resize=1536,860 1536w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072235.546.png?resize=2048,1147 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hypercortisolism\"><\/span>Hypercortisolism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Excess cortisol<\/strong>, also called <strong>hypercortisolism<\/strong>, is when there are <strong>high levels of cortisol<\/strong> in the body due to <strong>exogenous or endogenous causes<\/strong>. The most common cause of exogenous <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Cushing_syndrome_and_Cushing_disease:_Clinical_sciences\">Cushing syndrome<\/a><\/strong> is the <strong>chronic use or high doses of glucocorticoids<\/strong> (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone). This excess cortisol can be caused by <strong>adrenal hyperplasia<\/strong>, a <strong>hormone-secreting adrenal tumor<\/strong>, or a tumor elsewhere in the body, such as the <strong>lungs<\/strong>, that secretes <strong>ACTH<\/strong>. When a <strong>pituitary adenoma<\/strong> causes excess ACTH secretion, it results in <strong>Cushing disease<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of the cause, <strong>signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism<\/strong> are typically <strong>nonspecific<\/strong> and include <strong>weight gain with central (truncal) obesity<\/strong>, <strong>hair loss<\/strong>, <strong>decreased libido<\/strong>, <strong>fatigue<\/strong>, and <strong>weakness<\/strong>. Other manifestations include <strong>hypertension<\/strong>, <strong>hyperglycemia<\/strong>, <strong>menstrual changes<\/strong>, <strong>cutaneous atrophy<\/strong>, and <strong>erectile dysfunction<\/strong>. There are also characteristic <strong>facial and body changes<\/strong>, including <strong>moon face<\/strong>, <strong>facial flushing<\/strong>, <strong>dorsocervical fat pad (\u201cbuffalo hump\u201d)<\/strong>, and <strong>supraclavicular fat pads<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diagnosis of hypercortisolism<\/strong> is based on a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/09\/04\/11-tips-for-taking-a-patient-history\">medical history<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>physical examination<\/strong>, <strong>laboratory testing<\/strong>, and <strong>diagnostic imaging<\/strong>. Lab testing can include <strong>cortisol levels<\/strong> (e.g., serum, urine), <strong>ACTH levels<\/strong>, and <strong>dexamethasone suppression tests<\/strong>. <strong>Diagnostic imaging<\/strong> such as <strong>brain MRI<\/strong> and <strong>adrenal CT<\/strong> can help identify the underlying cause (e.g., <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Pituitary_adenomas_and_pituitary_hyperfunction:_Clinical_practice?query=Pituitary_adenomas_and_pituitary_hyperfunction%253A_Clinical&amp;language=en\">pituitary adenoma<\/a><\/strong> or <strong>adrenal hyperplasia<\/strong>).<br><br><strong>Treatment of hypercortisolism<\/strong> depends on the <strong>underlying cause<\/strong>. In cases related to <strong>glucocorticoid use<\/strong>, <strong>gradual medication withdrawal<\/strong> may be appropriate. For <strong>tumors<\/strong>, <strong>surgical resection<\/strong> may be required, sometimes followed by <strong>radiotherapy or medication<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png?w=810\" alt=\"An illustration of hypocortisolism, showing a kidney with a &quot;sleepy&quot; adrenal gland. Cartoon-style kidney with a small brain resting on top, eyes closed with \u201cZzz\u201d above it, suggesting sleep, rest, or reduced brain activity.\" class=\"wp-image-1819\" style=\"width:298px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png 1488w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png?resize=237,300 237w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png?resize=768,970 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png?resize=810,1024 810w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072334.392.png?resize=1216,1536 1216w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hypocortisolism\"><\/span>Hypocortisolism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, <strong>hypocortisolism<\/strong>, also called <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Adrenal_insufficiency:_Clinical_sciences\">adrenal insufficiency<\/a><\/strong>, occurs when there are <strong>low cortisol levels<\/strong> in the body and may be <strong>primary, secondary, or tertiary<\/strong>. <strong>Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)<\/strong> occurs when the adrenal glands cannot produce cortisol; <strong>secondary adrenal insufficiency<\/strong> results from inadequate ACTH release by the pituitary gland; and <strong>tertiary adrenal insufficiency<\/strong> occurs when insufficient CRH is released by the hypothalamus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar to hypercortisolism, <strong>adrenal insufficiency symptoms<\/strong> are often <strong>nonspecific<\/strong>, including <strong>weight loss<\/strong>, <strong>fatigue<\/strong>, <strong>hair loss<\/strong>, <strong>menstrual changes<\/strong>, and <strong>decreased libido<\/strong>. Other manifestations include <strong>skin changes<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>hyperpigmentation<\/strong>, <strong>decreased skin turgor<\/strong>), <strong>altered mental status<\/strong>, and <strong>psychiatric changes<\/strong>. In severe cases, an <strong>acute adrenal crisis<\/strong> may occur\u2014a <strong>medical emergency<\/strong> presenting as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Approach_to_shock:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shock<\/a><\/strong> (e.g., <strong>hypotension<\/strong>, <strong>confusion<\/strong>, <strong>abdominal pain<\/strong>, <strong>altered level of consciousness<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency<\/strong> involves <strong>medical history<\/strong>, <strong>physical examination<\/strong>, and <strong>laboratory testing<\/strong>. Lab testing may include <strong>serum cortisol<\/strong>, <strong>ACTH<\/strong>, <strong>renin<\/strong>, and <strong>aldosterone levels<\/strong>, <strong>complete metabolic panel<\/strong>, <strong>anti-21-hydroxylase antibodies<\/strong>, and tests for <strong>infectious causes<\/strong> such as <strong>tuberculosis<\/strong>. An <strong>ACTH stimulation test<\/strong> may also be performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Treatment<\/strong> includes <strong>stabilization during adrenal crisis<\/strong>, identification of the <strong>underlying cause<\/strong>, and <strong>lifelong cortisol replacement therapy<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>hydrocortisone<\/strong>, <strong>prednisone<\/strong>, <strong>dexamethasone<\/strong>).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Common_Conditions\"><\/span>More Common Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/10\/23\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-in-older-adults\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions in Older Adults<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-pregnancy\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated With Pregnancy<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-long-covid\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Long Covid<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-associated-with-gut-health\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Associated with Gut Health<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-related-to-sexual-health-bacterial-infections\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Related to Sexual Health: Bacterial Infections<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-common-conditions-related-to-sexual-health-part-2-viruses\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Common Conditions Related to Sexual Health, Part 2: Viruses<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-conditions-related-to-cortisol\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Conditions Related to Cortisol<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-signs-and-symptoms-associated-with-diabetes-mellitus\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Signs and Symptoms Associated with Diabetes Mellitus<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-male-reproductive-health-disorders\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Male Reproductive Health Disorders<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/a-quick-reference-guide-to-female-reproductive-health-disorders\"><strong>A Quick Reference Guide to Female Reproductive Health Disorders<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/kelsey-lafayette\"><strong>Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C,<\/strong><\/a> <strong>Nursing Content Manager at Osmosis from Elsevier<\/strong>, obtained a <strong>Bachelor of Arts in Nursing<\/strong> degree from <strong>Luther College<\/strong> in 2011. As an <strong>RN<\/strong>, she has a clinical background in <strong>medical and pulmonary inpatient units<\/strong>, <strong>urgent care<\/strong>, and <strong>critical care<\/strong>, and earned her <strong>Doctor of Nursing Practice<\/strong> degree from the <strong>University of Illinois at Chicago<\/strong> in 2022. Throughout her career, Kelsey has served in multiple <strong>education and leadership roles<\/strong>, including <strong>charge nurse<\/strong>, <strong>preceptor<\/strong>, and <strong>Clinical Team Lead<\/strong>, developing <strong>orientation programs and policies<\/strong>. These experiences shaped her passion for <strong>nursing education<\/strong> for <strong>students, clinicians, patients, and families<\/strong>. She currently serves as a <strong>manager on the Nursing Content team<\/strong> and contributes to projects that support <strong>lifelong learning<\/strong>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reviewer\"><\/span>Reviewer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/lisa-miklush\">Lisa Miklush, PhD, RN, CNS,\u00a0<\/a>Senior Content Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ceccato F, Scaroni C. <strong>Central adrenal insufficiency<\/strong>: open issues regarding diagnosis and <strong>glucocorticoid treatment<\/strong>. <em>Clin Chem Lab Med<\/em>. 2019;57(8):1125-1135. doi:10.1515\/cclm-2018-0824<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cole S. <strong>Evaluation and treatment of adrenal dysfunction<\/strong> in the primary care environment. <em>Nurs Clin North Am<\/em>. 2018;53(3):385-394. doi:10.1016\/j.cnur.2018.04.007<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hirsch D, Shimon I, Manisterski Y, et al. <strong>Cushing&#8217;s syndrome<\/strong>: comparison between <strong>Cushing&#8217;s disease<\/strong> and <strong>adrenal Cushing&#8217;s<\/strong>. <em>Endocrine<\/em>. 2018;62(3):712-720. doi:10.1007\/s12020-018-1709-y<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Martin-Grace J, Dineen R, Sherlock M, Thompson CJ. <strong>Adrenal insufficiency<\/strong>: physiology, <strong>clinical presentation<\/strong>, and <strong>diagnostic challenges<\/strong>. <em>Clin Chim Acta<\/em>. 2020;505:78-91. doi:10.1016\/j.cca.2020.01.029<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nieman LK. <strong>Recent updates on the diagnosis and management of Cushing&#8217;s syndrome<\/strong>. <em>Endocrinol Metab (Seoul)<\/em>. 2018;33(2):139-146. doi:10.3803\/EnM.2018.33.2.139<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8584322\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8584322<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44220-023-00016-0\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44220-023-00016-0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072505.614.png\" alt=\"Osmosis sign up ad\" class=\"wp-image-1821\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072505.614.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T072505.614.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Try&nbsp;<strong>Osmosis from Elsevier<\/strong>&nbsp;today! Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>free trial<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;and discover why millions of current and future&nbsp;<strong>clinicians&nbsp;<\/strong>and&nbsp;<strong>caregivers&nbsp;<\/strong>love&nbsp;<strong>learning by Osmosis<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cortisol imbalances cause diverse health issues from excess to deficiency. 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Today's case focuses on a 38-year-old man who got laid off from work and could no longer concentrate long enough to write poems, which he loved doing in the past, decreased in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/depression.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/depression.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/depression.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/depression.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5934,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/the-common-conditions-series-quick-reference-guides-for-clinicians","url_meta":{"origin":1814,"position":3},"title":"The Common Conditions Series: Quick Reference Guides for Clinicians","author":"Steph Stevens","date":"March 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Mastering knowledge and importance of common health conditions is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. 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