Cushing's Syndrome
Also known as: Hypercortisolism
What is it?
Cushing’s syndrome is a metabolic disorder
caused by an excess of the steroid hormone
cortisol circulating within the bloodstream.
Cortisol is involved in regulating the functioning
of nearly every type of organ and tissue
throughout the body, and is considered to be one
of the few hormones absolutely necessary for life.
Who gets it?
Cushing's syndrome occurs in about 10-15 of
every one million people per year, usually
striking adults between the ages of 20-50. A
person may be at greater risk for Cushing’s
syndrome if they are taking cortisone-like
medicines orally (by mouth) every day for several
weeks or months. Prednisone is the most common
medicine that's taken orally.
What causes it?
The most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is
orally taking a cortisone medicine long-term. The
second most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is
the onset of Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease
is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, which
controls the body's production of cortisol.
Cushing’s disease is three times more frequent in
women than men. Other causes of Cushing’s syndrome
are tumors in the adrenal glands or somewhere else
in the body.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of Cushing’s syndrome
is sudden weight gain and an abnormal accumulation
of fatty pads in the face, around the trunk, upper
back and neck. Other symptoms include muscle
weakness, bruising, high blood pressure,
abnormalities in the processing of sugars
(glucose) with occasional development of actual
diabetes, kidney stones and increased chance of
infections. Emotional disturbances include mood
swings, depression, irritability, confusion, or
even a complete break with reality (psychosis).
Women may experience irregular menstrual periods
and abnormal hair growth, while men may experience
a decreases sex drive.
How is it diagnosed?
If it is determined that a cortisone medicine
is the cause of Cushing’s syndrome, no further
test will be needed. Otherwise, the patient may be
given dexamethasone before blood or urine is
collected for testing. Dexamethasone, a medication
that tests your body’s response to steroids, will
confirm Cushing’s syndrome.
What is the treatment?
Cushing's syndrome, if untreated, can produce
serious illness and even death. If the condition
is a result of medication, decreasing or changing
the dosage may alleviate the symptoms. If the
condition is caused by a tumor on the pituitary or
adrenal glands, a doctor will remove the tumor and
radiation treatments may follow. The patient will
take cortisone-like medicines for several months
after the tumor is removed.
Self-care Tips
Some medications used to treat both Cushing’s
syndrome and disease may cause nausea and
anorexia, somnolence, and lethargy. The patient’s
weight and fluid intake should be monitored, and
the patient should follow a well-balanced diet.
With proper treatment, patients diagnosed with
Cushing’s syndrome can fully recover and lead
normal and healthy lives.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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