How to Identify Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome is a disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is essential in helping individuals cope with stress, but too much of the hormone may cause a wealth of problems throughout the body. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, little cap-like glands that cover the tip of the kidneys. Cortisol is also produced by the pituitary gland, located near the base of the brain.Cushing's Syndrome affects men and women who are most often between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, and it's believed to be caused by an overproduction of cortisol due to a number of hormonal or medical disorders.Learn how to identify symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome in order to seek appropriate health care and to prevent complications such as those commonly found in steroid use.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at your face in the mirror. Does it look more round than normal? This sign is often called a moon face and is accompanied in many cases by puffy-looking eyes.

• 2

  Look at your skin. Do you seem to be bruising more easily than you used to? Is your skin thin and fragile-looking? Do you see any unexplained stretch marks that appear red or blue, without any obvious signs of weight gain or pregnancy?

• 3

  Step on a scale and check your weight. Cushing's Syndrome often causes a sudden weight gain and accumulation of fat, especially around the middle.

• 4

  Pay attention to sudden changes in your body. If you're a woman, have your menstrual cycles changes or altered in any way? Do you see any growth of facial hair? Such signs are also indicative of Cushing's Syndrome and should be addressed by your physician.

• 5

  Pay attention to your mental attitude and behavior patterns. Are you suddenly suffering from mood or emotional changes that are not caused by stress or other obvious factors? Many people suffering from Cushing's Syndrome find themselves growing irritable and moody for no apparent reason.