28
hyponatremia, and hypotension, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses such as nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea [48].
Hyperadrenalism (Cushing’s Syndrome)
Hyperadrenalism also known as Cushing’s syndrome occurs as a result of long-term
exposure to excessive glucocorticoids especially cortisol in serum due to overproduction of the adrenal cortex. Among women, it is more common, especially
between the ages of 20 and 50. Cushing’s syndrome may occur due to pituitary or
adrenal tumors or long-term use of corticosteroids [38].
Irrespective of the cause, excessive cortisol may lead to specific changes in various body systems. Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is interrupted,
leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Protein synthesis is impaired, and human
proteins break down, leading to muscle fiber loss and muscle weakness. The bones
are weaker and more prone to fractures [43].
Signs and Symptoms
Cushing’s syndrome’s patients have a discrete look characterized by lunar face,
obesity, and other major features. Signs and symptoms often associated with this
disease include [49]:
• Full, puffy face
• Increased body and facial hair
• Thin, fragile skin
• Chronic weakness
• Diabetes mellitus (DM)
• Fatty “buffalo hump” on exterior neck
• Atrophied proximal muscles
• Central body obesity
• Amenorrhea
• Purple striae on the arms, breasts, abdomen, or buttocks
• Hypertension
• Decreased fertility or diminished sex drive
Pituitary Gland Related Disorders
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare systemic disease that affects the full body [50]. It occurs when
the body fails to regulate the excessive production of GH [51]. Since GH promotes
the growth of muscles, internal organs, and bones and causes the secretion of
A. Ahsan et al.
hyponatremia, and hypotension, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses such as nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea [48].
Hyperadrenalism (Cushing’s Syndrome)
Hyperadrenalism also known as Cushing’s syndrome occurs as a result of long-term
exposure to excessive glucocorticoids especially cortisol in serum due to overproduction of the adrenal cortex. Among women, it is more common, especially
between the ages of 20 and 50. Cushing’s syndrome may occur due to pituitary or
adrenal tumors or long-term use of corticosteroids [38].
Irrespective of the cause, excessive cortisol may lead to specific changes in various body systems. Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is interrupted,
leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Protein synthesis is impaired, and human
proteins break down, leading to muscle fiber loss and muscle weakness. The bones
are weaker and more prone to fractures [43].
Signs and Symptoms
Cushing’s syndrome’s patients have a discrete look characterized by lunar face,
obesity, and other major features. Signs and symptoms often associated with this
disease include [49]:
• Full, puffy face
• Increased body and facial hair
• Thin, fragile skin
• Chronic weakness
• Diabetes mellitus (DM)
• Fatty “buffalo hump” on exterior neck
• Atrophied proximal muscles
• Central body obesity
• Amenorrhea
• Purple striae on the arms, breasts, abdomen, or buttocks
• Hypertension
• Decreased fertility or diminished sex drive
Pituitary Gland Related Disorders
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare systemic disease that affects the full body [50]. It occurs when
the body fails to regulate the excessive production of GH [51]. Since GH promotes
the growth of muscles, internal organs, and bones and causes the secretion of
A. Ahsan et al.