Cushing's disease results from an excess of which type of hormones?

Cushing's disease is specifically associated with an excess of glucocorticoids, which are a class of corticosteroids. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a vital role in the body's stress response, metabolism regulation, and immune function. In Cushing's disease, the pituitary gland produces an excess of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol than the body needs.

High levels of glucocorticoids can lead to the characteristic symptoms of Cushing's disease, which can include weight gain, thinning skin, hypertension, and changes in mood, among others. This understanding of the hormonal imbalance in Cushing's disease highlights the importance of glucocorticoids in the condition, distinguishing it from other adrenal disorders that might be characterized by imbalances of different hormones such as mineralocorticoids or androgens.