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Pseudo-Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms

Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome symptoms mimic those of Cushing's syndrome but exhibit fewer clinical signs. While Cushing's symptoms are brought by elevated cortisol levels (hypercortisolism), whether through medication or from cortisol-producing tumors, Pseudo-Cushing's symptoms are caused by other factors, such as stress, depression, eating disorders, and alcoholism. As the symptoms' causes differ, so does the treatment. Treatment to resolve Cushing's syndrome symptoms involves surgery or tapering off medication. Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome symptoms are usually resolved by eliminating the stressor.

  1. Weight Changes

    • According to the website goodhormonehealth.com, the most common symptom associated with Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome is obesity, including weight gain associated with certain metabolic syndromes. However, "direct evidence of hypercortisolism is usually absent and the cortisol levels are only mildly elevated," the website said. A fatty pad or hump between the shoulder, also known as "buffalo hump," and rounding of the face, also known as "moon face," are other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Skin Problems

    • Thinning of skin, easy bruising, dryness, acne, abdominal stretch marks, slow healing of cuts and other skin problems are skin-related symptoms of both Cushing's syndrome and Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Weak Muscles/Low Energy

    • Cushing's and Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome are also characterized by other endocrine, or hormonal, symptoms: fatigue which can be severe, muscle weakness, and thinning of arms and legs, says the Mayo Clinic.

    Osteoporosis

    • Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome, similar to Cushing's, can be characterized by a deterioration of bone density that could lead to rib, spinal column, or other fractures, says the website wrongdiagnosis.com. Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone disorders, especially for women.

    Gender-Specific Symptoms

    • In women, one possible Cushing's symptom is hair growth in a male pattern, such as facial hair or a receding hair line, and excess hair growth on the abdomen, chest and thighs, according to the website medlineplus.nlm.nih.gov. Also, women could suffer from menstrual irregularities. Men may experience a decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction.

    Emotional Symptoms

    • Mood swings, depression, irritability, confusion, and even psychosis could happen with both Cushing's and Pseudo-Cushing's syndromes, according to the Pituitary Network Association.

    Other Symptoms

    • Cushing's and Pseudo-Cushing's could also be characterized by recurrent infections, high blood pressure, glucose intolerance which may lead to diabetes, new or worsening high blood pressure, kidney stones, and headaches, says the Mayo Clinic.

    Symptoms in Children

    • While Cushing's and Pseudo-Cushing's syndromes are rare in children and adolescents, they can experience symptoms similar to adults, such as weight gain, and skin problems; however, children might also demonstrate decreased growth, according to the Cushing's Support and Research Foundation.

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