American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test 2025 - Free Pathology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Addison's Disease is characterized primarily by a deficiency in the production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. The underlying cause is usually related to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to insufficient hormone levels.

In this context, the correct choice reflects a fundamental aspect of Addison's Disease: the decrease in cortisol production. Cortisol plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response regulation, and stress response. A lack of cortisol leads to clinical manifestations such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hypoglycemia.

Although muscle weakness is a common symptom of Addison's Disease, the hallmark of the disease is the deficiency in hormone production, particularly cortisol. Therefore, recognizing that Addison's Disease is fundamentally associated with decreased production of these hormones is crucial to understanding its clinical presentations.