Cushing's Syndrome

Yes, Cushing's syndrome is serious. Some of the symptoms are particularly dangerous like bone loss, high blood pressure, and bruising. Also, someone with Cushing's syndrome is prone to infections. The risk of developing another condition, like diabetes,... Full Answer

Tumors that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cause the pituitary gland to secrete increased amounts of ACTH, stimulating an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This pituitary condition, known as Cushing's disease, causes a variety... Full Answer

Cushing's syndrome is diagnosed by physical examination, medical history, x-rays of the adrenal or pituitary glands, lab tests including: midnight plasma cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol measurements, 24-hour urinary free cortisol level,... Full Answer

The causes of Cushing's syndrome can be divided into: ACTH-dependent disease — In these diseases, the body is making too much ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) which leads to too much cortisol production. Pituitary tumors and ectopic ACTH... Full Answer

The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are a round face, obesity of the upper body, slender arms and legs and fat around the neck area. The skin heals slowly and bruises easily. The bones become weak and fracture easily. Other symptoms that my be... Full Answer

Cushing's syndrome adversely affects the body because of the high cortisol levels. All of the symptoms that occur are a result of the excessive cortisol. If it is a tumor that causes the condition, then the tumor itself is usually not causing any of the... Full Answer

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause of excess cortisol. If the cause involves long term use of a medication to treat another disorder, the physician may reduce the dosage until symptoms are under control. Surgery or radiotherapy may be... Full Answer

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause of excess cortisol. If the cause involves long term use of a medication to treat another disorder, the physician may reduce the dosage until symptoms are under control. Surgery or radiotherapy may be... Full Answer

Home treatment for Cushing's syndrome consists of lifestyle changes to prevent weight gain, to strengthen muscles and bones and to prevent complications. Eat a low-calorie, nutritious diet high in protein and calcium. This can help prevent muscle and... Full Answer

In most cases, the best treatment for Cushing's syndrome is surgery.  (The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is taking medication like prednisone at high dose and for a long period, but we're not talking about that here.)  Of the... Full Answer