What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?

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 present include: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, a fatty hump between the shoulders, weak muscles, fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, depression or anxiety.

Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:

• Weight gain, particularly around the gut or mid-section.
• Moon face, a rounded shape of the face that develops from a specific pattern of fat distribution.
• Easy bruising when the arms and legs are frequently covered with multiple bruises.
• Buffalo hump, a mound of fat at the base of the back of the neck
• Abnormal hair growth as women with Cushing's syndrome may develop more hair growth on the face or near the belly button.
• Edema (leg swelling) due to excess fluid buildup in the lower legs and feet.
• Stretch marks (purple striae), most common around the sides and lower abdomen, these may have a pink, red, or purple color.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes (high blood sugar levels)
• Mood changes as many patients feel hyper, others may experience sudden emotional ups and downs or be quick to anger.
• Thinning of the skin when the skin may develop a shiny, paper-thin quality and may rip or tear easily.
• Ruddy complexion (plethora), a reddening of the face or cheeks.
• Muscle weakness when the arms and legs may become skinny like twigs from muscle wasting.
• Menstrual disturbances when a woman's period may be irregular or stop altogether.

The signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome vary and most often develop gradually. You may have:

• Weight gain. Symptoms may include a round or puffy face (moon face), increased fat around the neck and upper part of the back (buffalo hump), or an enlarged waistline. Weight gain is the most common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
• Skin changes. These include thin, fragile skin that bruises easily; slow-healing wounds; wide, purplish stretch marks on the body (striae); acne ; or a ruddy complexion.
• Changes in mental state. Irritability, anxiety, inability to sleep (insomnia), or feelings of sadness or depression may develop.
• Muscle and bone weakness. Symptoms may include backache; broken bones, especially the ribs and spine (caused by osteoporosis); or loss of muscle tone and strength. Weakness of the muscles in the arms and legs may make it difficult to rise from a chair or climb stairs.
• Sex hormone changes. Menstrual irregularity, facial hair growth in women, erection problems (erectile dysfunction), or changes in sex drive may occur.
• High blood pressure and diabetes. High blood pressure (hypertension) and type 2 diabetes may not be diagnosed until you have a checkup.

The eye conditions glaucoma and cataracts also may occur in Cushing's syndrome. In Cushing's disease (tumors on the pituitary gland), your field of vision can be affected. You may have loss of side, or peripheral, vision.

If a cancerous tumor on the lung is the cause, you may have rapid loss of appetite (anorexia) and weight loss. You also may have dark spots on the skin (hyperpigmentation).

Not everyone who has the classic signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome has the disorder. Also, not everyone who has Cushing's syndrome has the classic changes in physical appearance. This is often true in people who are very physically active.