CRH and adrenal gland hyperfunction: Hypercortisolemia is related to overstimulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, with increased secretion of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and/or pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resulting in elevated glucocorticoid secretions such as cortisol.