Cushing's syndrome
https://www.patientslikeme.com/conditions/cushing-s
Also known as: cushing syndrome, hypercortisolismContent medically reviewed byDr. Karthikeya T MMD, Internal MedicineView full profile onLinkedInOVERVIEWSYMPTOMSDIAGNOSISTREATMENTComplicationsComplicationsIf untreated for a prolonged period it may lead toBone fractures due to bone lossLong-term high blood pressureType 2 diabetesSevere infectionsKidney stonesIn case of pituitary tumors, it can interfere with other hormone productions Bone fractures due to bone loss Long-term high blood pressure Type 2 diabetes Severe infections Kidney stones In case of pituitary tumors, it can interfere with other hormone productions Obesity and weight gain Increased fatty deposits, particularly in the abdomen, face (moon-shaped face), and between the shoulders and upper back (buffalo hump) Purple or pink stretch marks noted on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs Thinning, fragile skin Slow healing injuries Acne Hirsutism: excessive facial hair and body hair Muscle weakness Fatigue Glucose intolerance Increased thirst and urination Bone loss High blood pressure Headache Cognitive dysfunction Emotional changes including anxiety, irritability, and depression Frequent infections Irregular periods in women Erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual interest or infertility in men Slower rate of growth in children An increased level of cortisol in the body is the cause for Cushing’s syndrome. This could be due to: Overuse of corticosteroids Adrenal gland abnormality or tumor Tumors of the pituitary gland Familial Cushing's syndrome Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-releasing Tumors in the lungs, pancreas, or thyroid gland Increase in cortisol levels is also seen in other conditions such as: Increased stress due to illness, surgery, pregnancy, or injury Athletic training Malnutrition Alcohol abuse High levels of emotional stress such as depression and panic disorders
Bone fractures due to bone loss
Long-term high blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Severe infections
Kidney stones
In case of pituitary tumors, it can interfere with other hormone productions
Obesity and weight gain
Increased fatty deposits, particularly in the abdomen, face (moon-shaped face), and between the shoulders and upper back (buffalo hump)
Purple or pink stretch marks noted on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs
Thinning, fragile skin
Slow healing injuries
Acne
Hirsutism: excessive facial hair and body hair
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Glucose intolerance
Increased thirst and urination
Bone loss
High blood pressure
Headache
Cognitive dysfunction
Emotional changes including anxiety, irritability, and depression
Frequent infections
Irregular periods in women
Erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual interest or infertility in men
Slower rate of growth in children
An increased level of cortisol in the body is the cause for Cushing’s syndrome. This could be due to:
Overuse of corticosteroids
Adrenal gland abnormality or tumor
Tumors of the pituitary gland
Familial Cushing's syndrome
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-releasing Tumors in the lungs, pancreas, or thyroid gland
Increase in cortisol levels is also seen in other conditions such as:
Increased stress due to illness, surgery, pregnancy, or injury
Athletic training
Malnutrition
Alcohol abuse
High levels of emotional stress such as depression and panic disorders
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