65-year-old female presented with vertebral compression fractures.

65-year-old female presented with vertebral compression fractures. She reports that she moved from a sitting to standing position and heard a "popping" sound followed by excruciating pain in the her back. She states that she has been on prednisone for quite some time for her rheumatoid arthritis. The following signs were present: weight gain in the truncal region, muscle wasting and weakness, purple striae on the abdomen, and hypertension.

What endocrine organ is responsible for these signs and symptoms? Explain the pathophysiology and the resulting clinical manifestations related to the dysfunction of this endocrine organ.