What hormonal alteration is linked to increased levels of cortisol?

Cushing syndrome is characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the body, often due to an overproduction by the adrenal glands. This condition can be caused by various factors, including tumors that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates cortisol production, or tumors in the adrenal glands themselves that secrete cortisol autonomously. The hallmark of Cushing syndrome is the presence of high cortisol levels, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as weight gain, thinning skin, high blood pressure, and glucose intolerance.

In contrast, Hashimoto thyroiditis involves an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland, typically leading to lower levels of thyroid hormones rather than cortisol. Hypoparathyroidism is related to low parathyroid hormone levels, which affect calcium and phosphate balance but are not directly related to cortisol levels. Addison's disease, on the other hand, is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol due to damage to the adrenal glands, resulting in low cortisol levels, which is the opposite of what occurs in Cushing syndrome. Therefore, the specific link to increased cortisol levels is clearly associated with Cushing syndrome.