Cushing’s Syndrome
Uploaded by mumsa1 on Feb 27, 2012
Cushing’s syndrome is named after Dr Cushing, an American physician who first described the disease in 1932.
In this article:
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
How Chemist Online can help
Advice & Support
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome is essentially a group of changes to the body caused by a hormone disorder – your body producing excessive amounts of Cortisol.
About cortisol: Cortisol is a vital hormone in the human body. It is made by the adrenal glands. You have two adrenal glands. They are positioned above each of your kidneys.
The reason cortisol must remain at an appropriate level is because it helps to regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar level, and immune system. Also, a sufficient level of cortisol in your bloodstream can help to guard against Stress.
Symptoms
Many people with Cushing’s syndrome develop a ‘hump’ between their shoulders – something they can feel self-conscious of. The increased deposits of fat in this area of the body are caused by cortisol being redistributed there. Through the redistribution, a hump-like mound develops.
Other symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include:
Rapid weight-gain and fat deposits to the face (which also becomes rounded and reddened), stomach and chest
Fat deposits on the back of the neck
Skin changes (spots, stretch marks, changes in skin colour…)
Excessive facial and body hair (women are particularly affected by this)
Fluid retention in the legs
Excessive sweating
The arms and legs being noticeably disproportionate in size (i.e. smaller than normal) to the rest of your body
Being easily bruised
Weakened bones and muscles
Interruption to menstrual periods
Diminished libido
Erectile dysfunction in men
Fatigue
Associated symptoms include:
Mood disorders, such as: anxiety, irritability and panic attacks
High blood pressure
High blood glucose
Baldness in women (in rare cases)
Headaches and migraines
Raging thirst
An increased need to urinate (this can be mild or an urgent need, depending upon the severity of your condition)
Causes
As we have seen, Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excessive amounts of the cortisol hormone. Your metabolism is affected by this excess, resulting in the onset of the aforementioned symptoms.
Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome develop as a result of taking long-term medical steroids. Also, people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can develop Cushing’s syndrome. In many cases, Cushing’s syndrome can occur naturally, due to their being a small, cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland (this lies just below the brain).
Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP. After taking your medical history and asking you some questions about your symptoms, you will...