Clinical Diagnosis · Endocrine System · Hard
Hypercortisolism
Meaning: Excess levels of the main adrenal stress hormone, causing central weight gain, thin skin and high blood pressure.
In practice: Central weight gain, purple striae and easy bruising suggested hypercortisolism.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Inflammation or infection of the tiny skin pockets from which hairs grow, appearing as small red bumps or pustules.
Answer: Folliculitis
Which word means: A bacterial infection spread by water contaminated with animal urine, ranging from flu-like illness to kidney and liver failure.
Answer: Leptospirosis
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