Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by excessive activity of the adrenal glands, typically caused by an overproduction of the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). This leads to abnormally high levels of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, in the body. A common symptom is obesity.

Usage

This is a specialized medical term. It is used in clinical, endocrinological, and scientific contexts to diagnose or describe a specific hormonal disorder. * The patient's symptoms, including central obesity and high blood pressure, led to a diagnosis of hyperadrenalism. * Hyperadrenalism is often investigated through blood tests measuring cortisol levels.

Advanced Usage

• Etiological Context: The term is often used to specify the cause of Cushing's syndrome when it is due to excessive ACTH, distinguishing it from other causes like adrenal tumors.
  • The pituitary tumor was the source of the ACTH overproduction, leading to pituitary-dependent hyperadrenalism.

Variants and Related Words

• Cushing's Syndrome: A broader clinical term for the collection of symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, which can result from hyperadrenalism.
• Hypercortisolism: A more specific term referring to the state of excessive cortisol production, which is the direct result of hyperadrenalism.
• Adrenal Hyperfunction: A general term for overactive adrenal glands.

Synonyms

• Cushing's Disease (specifically when caused by a pituitary adenoma)
• ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome

Antonyms

• Hypoadrenalism: A condition characterized by underactive adrenal glands, such as in Addison's disease.

Noun

1. a glandular disorder caused by excessive ACTH resulting in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal gland; characterized by obesity