Endocrinology and Endocrine System

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder occurs in body that makes too much of hormone for a long period of time. Cortisol is the hormone which causes Cushing’s syndrome. Sometimes cortisol also called “stress hormone” because it helps your body respond to stress.

Causes of Cushing’s syndrome are cortisol hormone which is produced by Adrenal glands. The common cause is related to medications called glucocorticoids, also known as steroids or prednisone.

The signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome vary on the levels of excess cortisol.

• Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back, in the face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
• Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
• Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
• Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections
• Acne
• Severe fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Depression, anxiety and irritability
• Loss of emotional control
• Cognitive difficulties
• New or worsened high blood pressure
• Headache
• Increased pigmentation of the skin
• Bone loss, leading to fractures over time
• In children, impaired growth

Signs and symptoms in women

• Thicker or more visible body and facial hair (hirsutism)
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

Signs and symptoms in men

• Decreased libido
• Decreased fertility
• Erectile dysfunction

Oral medication is recommended based on levels of cortisol produced in the body. Without treatment, complications are

• Osteoporosis
• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Frequent or unusual infections
• Loss of muscle mass and strength

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