Question

which of the following conditions occurs when there is an increase in estrogen secretion by the adrenal cortex of men?
a pheochromocytoma
b adrenal feminization
c addisons disease
d adrenal virilism

Explanation:

• Pheochromocytoma: It is a tumor of the adrenal medulla (not cortex) that secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine), not estrogen.
• Adrenal feminization: When the adrenal cortex (in males) secretes excessive amounts of estrogen, it leads to the development of female - like secondary sexual characteristics (such as gynecomastia) in males. This condition is called adrenal feminization.
• Addison's disease: It is caused by a deficiency of glucocorticoids (and sometimes mineralocorticoids) due to adrenal cortex dysfunction (usually autoimmune destruction). It is not related to excessive estrogen secretion.
• Adrenal virilism: It is caused by excessive secretion of androgens (male - sex hormones) by the adrenal cortex, leading to the development of male - like secondary sexual characteristics in females (or premature development in males), not estrogen - related changes.

Answer:

B. adrenal feminization