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How to Diagnose Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to a hormone called cortisol. It is a rare disease, and most commonly effects adults 20-50 years old. Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, poorly controlled blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure all increase the risk of Cushing's. The signs and symptoms of Cushing's vary with each case, but most patients present with some of the most common signs.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

  1. Diagnosing Cushing's Disease

    • 1

      Look for common symptoms such as upper-body obesity accompanied by slender arms and hands, a round face and excess fat around neck and cheeks.

    • 2

      Examine patient for less common signs such as fragile skin and bones, and excess facial hair in women.

    • 3

      Perform a 24-hour urinary test for free cortisol levels in the urine.

    • 4

      Administer midnight plasma cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol tests to measure cortisol in the blood.

    • 5

      Administer a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST), to look for a drop in cortisol.

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