Atrophy of Adrenal Cortex

3D Model

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland stimulate secretion of corticosteroids, and serum corticosteroid levels help regulate the hypothalamus and pituitary in turn. Exogenous corticosteroids provide this same negative feedback, which decreases signaling to the adrenal cortex. When exogenous corticosteroids are administered over long periods of time, atrophy of the adrenal cortex can result.