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Cushing Syndrome

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Cushing Syndrome

(Cushing Disease; Hypercortisolism)

Definition

Cushing syndrome is too much cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a hormone. In normal doses, it helps the body manage stress and infection. High levels over a long period of time can cause health problems.

Causes

High levels of this hormone may be caused by:

  • Long-term use of corticosteroid hormones—such as cortisone or prednisone
  • Excess production of cortisol from a:
    • Tumor or problem of the adrenal gland
    • Tumor or problem of the pituitary gland. A person with a pituitary tumor has Cushing disease.
    • Tumors of the lung , thyroid , kidney , pancreas , or thymus gland (rare)
Pituitary and Adrenal Glands.

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Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women. It is also common in people who use corticosteroids to treat problems, such as:

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • Weight gain in the upper body and trunk
  • Rounded face
  • Severe tiredness or muscle weakness
  • Easy bruising, thin skin, or purple stretch marks
  • Excess hair growth or acne in women
  • Menstrual problems, especially irregular or absent periods
  • Low fertility and interest in sex
  • Personality changes or mood swings

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Tests will be done to check levels of cortisol. They include blood tests, urine tests, and saliva tests.

Images will look at the pituitary and adrenal glands and at other structures. They may be done with:

Treatment

Treatment of Cushing syndrome depends on the cause. Options are:

  • Stopping or changing corticosteroids
  • Surgical removal of a tumor
  • Surgical removal of part, all, or both adrenal glands
  • Radiation therapy to treat lasting tumors
  • Drugs that decrease the body's cortisol—or block the way other adrenal products work

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be reduced by limiting long-term corticosteroid use.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cushing disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cushing-disease.
  • Cushing's syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/cushings-syndrome?dkrd=hispt0295.
  • Nieman LK, Biller BM, et al. Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(8):2807-2831.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.