Cushing Syndrome

Normally, the body releases cortisol in different stress situations, but in the case of Cushing syndrome, there are high amounts of cortisol, which cause several symptoms and sometimes serious complications.

Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome is a rare health condition that occurs due to highly elevated cortisol hormone in the body for a long period of time.

Cortisol plays an essential role in how the body reacts to different stress situations, and that’s why it’s called the stress hormone. It has a role in controlling blood pressure and sugar, reducing inflammation in the body, breathing regulation, helping the heart and blood vessels in their work, converting food into energy, and forming memories.

Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, and this process is also controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain.

Causes of Cushing syndrome

Cortisol hormone could elevate and cause Cushing’s syndrome due to two causes:

• Tumors in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, which trigger the body to produce big amounts of cortisol.
• Taking a type of medication called glucocorticoid for a long time.

Symptoms of Cushing syndrome

Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome:

• Quick weight gain in the face (called moon face) and trunk with thin arms and legs.
• A lump of fat between the shoulders called a buffalo hump.
• The skin is thin, fragile, and bruises easily.
• Pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts, and underarms.
• Acne.
• Slow wound healing.
• In women: irregular periods and hirsutism.
• In men: reduced fertility, decreased libido, and erectile problems.

Other symptoms for Cushing syndrome:

• Darkened skin.
• Headache and extreme tiredness.
• Muscle weakness.
• Reduced bone density.
• Hypertension.
• Stunted growth in children.
• Insomnia.
• Increased infections.
• Memory and concentrating problems.
• Depression, anxiety, and irritation.

Complications of Cushing syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome might lead to serious complications if not treated, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes.
• Osteoporosis.
• Serious infections.
• Hypertension.
• Heart attack.
• Loss in the muscle mass.

Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome

• Medical history.
• Physical examination.
• Laboratory tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of Cushing syndrome

• Cushing syndrome is treated depending on the cause.