Condition in which the body chemistry is
upset by excessive production of steroid
hormones from the adrenal cortex. Symptoms
include weight gain in the face and trunk,
raised blood pressure, excessive growth of
facial and body hair (hirsutism),
demineralization of bone, and, sometimes,
diabeteslike effects. The underlying cause
may be an adrenal or pituitary tumour, or
prolonged high-dose therapy with
corticosteroid drugs.