Which condition is associated with excessive cortisol production?

Cushing's syndrome is a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production, which can occur due to various causes such as pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease), adrenal tumors, or ectopic ACTH secretion. The primary feature of this syndrome is the overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that leads to elevated cortisol levels.

Cortisol is crucial for many body functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress management. When produced in excess, cortisol can lead to a variety of symptoms such as weight gain, central obesity, hypertension, skin changes (like easy bruising and striae), and psychological effects (like mood swings and depression).

In contrast, Addison's disease is characterized by inadequate cortisol production due to adrenal insufficiency, making it the opposite of Cushing's syndrome. Hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism are conditions related to thyroid hormone deficiency and parathyroid hormone excess, respectively, and are not directly linked to cortisol levels. Therefore, Cushing's syndrome is the only option associated with excessive cortisol production.