Final answer:
In Addison's disease, the secretion of the hypothalamic factor (CRH) will typically be higher than normal as the body tries to compensate for the decreased production of adrenal hormones like cortisol.
Step-by-step explanation:
In patients with Addison's disease, there is a hyposecretion of the adrenal hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. This condition is due to the adrenal cortex being damaged either by autoimmune disorders, infections, or, less commonly, by a decrease in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus secretes corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH.
In response to the low levels of adrenal hormones, you would typically see a compensatory increase in the secretion of hypothalamic CRH, attempting to stimulate the pituitary to release more ACTH, with the goal of increasing cortisol production by the adrenal glands. However, if the adrenal glands are damaged and unable to respond, this increased hypothalamic stimulus results in elevated levels of CRH and ACTH without the corresponding increase in cortisol.
Therefore, in a patient with Addison's disease, the secretion of the hypothalamic factor (CRH) will typically be higher than normal as part of the body's attempt to compensate for the inadequacy in adrenal hormone production.