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Cushing's Disease & Thinness in Women

Cushing's disease is a type of Cushing's syndrome that is caused by too much adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the pituitary gland, according to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF). The overproduction of ACTH by a pituitary tumor stimulates adrenal growth and produces too much cortisol in the body, which, if left untreated, may be life-threatening.

  1. The Facts

    • Cushing's disease is more common among women than men, with most cases occurring in women 25-45 years old, according to NADF. While women with Cushing's disease may have relatively thin arms and legs, they typically suffer from upper body obesity, a rounded face and increased fat around the face and neck.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of the disease include increased hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs; irregular menstrual periods; thin skin that bruises easily; severe fatigue; weak muscles; irritability or depression and a fatty hump between the shoulders.

    Causes

    • Cushing's disease may occur when there is a tumor in the pituitary gland and when the tissues of the body are exposed to high doses of cortisol for a long period of time, as in the case of Cushing's syndrome. Women who take steroid hormones for the treatment of asthma, arthritis, lupus or other inflammatory diseases may develop the disease or it may occur spontaneously.

    Risk Factors

    • Women who are obese, suffer from Type 2 diabetes that is not properly controlled and who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure are at a higher risk for developing Cushing's syndrome, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service (NEMDIS).

    Treatment

    • Medical treatment is dependent upon the specific cause of the disorder, but may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgical removal of the pituitary tumor or cortisol-inhibiting drugs, according to the NEMDIS.

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