What condition might result from prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids?

Prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids can lead to Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive amounts of corticosteroids in the body, particularly cortisol. These steroids can be administered for various conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, or even as part of cancer treatment.

When glucocorticoids are taken over an extended period, they can disrupt normal regulatory mechanisms in the endocrine system. This leads to symptoms that define Cushing's syndrome, including weight gain, moon facies, abdominal obesity, thinning skin, easy bruising, and hypertension. Additionally, prolonged glucocorticoid use can cause suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in the body's stress response.

The other conditions listed are not directly caused by the prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids. Hyperthyroidism, for instance, is related to increased thyroid hormone production, typically due to conditions like Graves' disease. Addison's disease is associated with insufficient production of adrenal hormones and is more of an adrenal insufficiency than an excess caused by glucocorticoids. Therefore, the most appropriate answer reflecting a condition resulting from chronic exposure to glucocorticoids is C