Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What condition is associated with the under-production of hydrocortisone?

1. Graves’ disease

2. Addison's disease

3. Cushing’s syndrome

4. Hypothyroidism

The correct answer is: Addison's disease

The condition associated with the under-production of hydrocortisone is Addison's disease. This disorder is characterized by the adrenal glands not producing enough steroid hormones, including hydrocortisone, which is crucial for stress response, metabolism, and maintaining blood pressure. In Addison's disease, this deficiency leads to various symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and changes in skin pigmentation. Since hydrocortisone is essential for many bodily functions, its deficiency can significantly impact a person's health and well-being. Other conditions mentioned in the options have different associations: Graves' disease is related to an overactive thyroid, Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol production, and hypothyroidism involves insufficient production of thyroid hormones rather than adrenal hormones. Thus, the focus on the under-production of hydrocortisone makes Addison's disease the correct answer.