Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

What syndrome is caused by excessive hydrocortisone production?

1. Graves' Disease

2. Cushing's Syndrome

3. Addison's Disease

4. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The correct answer is: Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome is the condition caused by excessive production of hydrocortisone, which is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This syndrome can result from various factors, including tumors in the pituitary gland that increase adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production, leading to higher levels of cortisol, or other adrenal gland disorders. Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome may include weight gain, particularly in the upper body, facial fullness, and skin changes such as thinning or bruising. Understanding this condition is crucial for estheticians, as it can affect a client's skin health and require tailored approaches in skincare treatments. The other options refer to different disorders: Graves' Disease involves hyperthyroidism, Addison's Disease is characterized by insufficient production of adrenal hormones, and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. Each of these conditions has distinct causes and symptoms unrelated to excessive hydrocortisone.