What disease is characterized by underproduction of hydrocortisone?

The disease characterized by the underproduction of hydrocortisone is Addison's disease. This condition is an adrenal insufficiency that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, particularly cortisol (which is hydrocortisone). In Addison's disease, the body lacks adequate levels of cortisol to regulate essential functions such as metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

In contrast, Cushing's disease is associated with an overproduction of cortisol, while pheochromocytoma involves the secretion of catecholamines, which affect adrenal hormones but are not related to hydrocortisone production. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, deals with insufficient production of thyroid hormones rather than adrenal hormones, including hydrocortisone.