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Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of steroid hormones, particularly cortisol, which can lead to weight gain and a range of other symptoms. It can be caused by irregularities in the adrenal or pituitary glands and can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that results from an excess of steroid hormones in the body. The adrenal glands, which sit above the kidney, produce steroid hormones, including cortisol, which regulate blood pressure and the immune system. Overproduction of cortisol can leave the sufferer with a variety of symptoms, of which weight gain is the most common.
Cortisol is also needed to help the body cope with stress and to maintain blood sugar levels. Irregularities in the pituitary gland can also cause Cushing’s syndrome, as the pituitary gland can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Pituitary problems are commonly the result of benign tumors that can be removed with surgery.
The most common symptom of Cushing’s syndrome is weight gain in the stomach, chest and face. However, the arms and legs usually don’t gain weight from the condition. The symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are diverse and vary from person to person.
Symptoms can include back pain, headaches, and muscle weakness. There may be water retention in the legs and the sufferer may be prone to sweating. The skin can become thin and bruise easily. There may be an excess of facial and body hair, and high blood pressure may occur.
Other symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include mood swings and depression. Panic attacks may occur and sexual desire may decrease. There have also been cases of infertility and some psychological problems.
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome can take some time to appear. For this reason, the condition is often difficult to pinpoint and is sometimes misdiagnosed as another disease. If left undetected and treated, the condition can lead to heart problems and kidney stones. The weakened immune system associated with Cushing’s syndrome also makes it harder for the body to fight off other infections. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition, but it can be serious. It can also appear as the unwanted side effect of using prescribed steroids.
Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome usually begins with identifying the symptoms. A thorough medical exam and medical history should be done, along with tests to detect excess cortisol in the body. You may need hospitalization, as a series of blood and urine tests, along with scans, are needed for diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on the causes of the condition and the excess hormone levels in the body. If medical steroids have caused the condition, the steroid injections will be stopped. Surgery or radiation therapy may be needed to eradicate any benign tumors that appear on the pituitary gland. Chemotherapy will be used if the tumor is cancerous. The recovery process depends on the individual case and can last from a few weeks to a few years.
