What sign indicates excessive cortisol levels in the body due to corticosteroid use?

What sign indicates excessive cortisol levels in the body due to corticosteroid use?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Moon face
• C. Hypotension
• D. Increased sweating

Answer: (B)

The presence of a "moon face" is a characteristic sign of excessive cortisol levels in the body, particularly due to corticosteroid use. This condition results from fat redistribution and an increase in adipose tissue in the facial area, leading to a rounded, swollen appearance of the face. It is commonly associated with Cushing's syndrome, which can occur as a result of prolonged corticosteroid therapy or hypercortisolism. In this scenario, the other signs provided do not directly relate to the excess cortisol effects as clearly as moon face does. Weight loss, for example, is not typically associated with high cortisol levels; rather, Cushing's syndrome often leads to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face. Hypotension and increased sweating are also not hallmark signs of corticosteroid excess; in fact, corticosteroids can often lead to hypertension rather than hypotension. Therefore, the round, full appearance of the face is the key indicator for high cortisol levels due to corticosteroid use, making it the correct choice.

The presence of a "moon face" is a characteristic sign of excessive cortisol levels in the body, particularly due to corticosteroid use. This condition results from fat redistribution and an increase in adipose tissue in the facial area, leading to a rounded, swollen appearance of the face. It is commonly associated with Cushing's syndrome, which can occur as a result of prolonged corticosteroid therapy or hypercortisolism.

In this scenario, the other signs provided do not directly relate to the excess cortisol effects as clearly as moon face does. Weight loss, for example, is not typically associated with high cortisol levels; rather, Cushing's syndrome often leads to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face. Hypotension and increased sweating are also not hallmark signs of corticosteroid excess; in fact, corticosteroids can often lead to hypertension rather than hypotension. Therefore, the round, full appearance of the face is the key indicator for high cortisol levels due to corticosteroid use, making it the correct choice.