Cushings Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by high cortisol levels in the body for lengthy periods of time. A rare disorder, it usually affects adults between 20 and 50 years of age. The symptoms and causes vary.

Significance

• Cortisol is a naturally-produced corticosteroid. Chronic high levels can raise blood pressure, cause osteoporosis, decrease resistance to infections and increase the risk of kidney stones and diabetes.

Causes

• People can develop Cushing's syndrome from taking certain steroid medications, such as prednisone for treating asthma, lupus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or rheumatoid arthritis. In other cases, the body produces too much cortisol, commonly because of an adrenal tumor.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, with increased fat in the face and neck and possibly a fatty hump between the shoulders. Skin can become thin and fragile and stretch marks may appear. Individuals with Cushing's might experience fatigue and weak muscles.

Gender Differences

• Women with the disorder typically have excess hair growth on the face and body and irregular menstruation. Men may have reduced fertility, lack of libido and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the cause. An adrenal tumor may need surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. If the condition is caused by steroids taken to treat another disorder, the doctor will decrease the dosage as much as possible.