General Information About Cushing's Syndrome
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the disruption of the body's balance as a result of abnormally high levels of cortisol, known as the 'stress hormone,' which is secreted by the adrenal glands.
Long-term use of high-dose 'cortisone' medications due to diseases such as rheumatism or asthma is the most common external cause. The internal cause is the development of tumors in the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland that trigger cortisol production.
Symptoms include fat accumulation solely on the trunk (while arms and legs remain thin), a rounded and flushed face (moon face), fat accumulation at the back of the neck (buffalo hump), wide purple stretch marks on the abdomen, and muscle weakness.
Excessive cortisol leads to diabetes, severe hypertension, osteoporosis (bone thinning), menstrual irregularities in women, and psychological distress (depression).
Cortisol levels are checked in a 24-hour urine collection or saliva. Special hormone tests are performed using blood tests to measure whether cortisol is suppressed. An MRI is requested if a tumor is suspected.
If it is due to medication use, the drug dose is slowly reduced under a doctor's supervision, if possible. If the problem is caused by a tumor (pituitary or adrenal tumor), surgical removal of the mass provides a definitive cure.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
