Are any of these symptoms familiar to you?
These and other common symptoms may indicate the presence of Cushing's syndrome.
What is Cushing Syndrome?
Cushing syndrome occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long time. Cushing syndrome is also called hypercortisolism.
Treatments for Cushing syndrome can return your body's cortisol production to normal and noticeably improve your symptoms. The earlier treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome can vary depending on the levels of excess cortisol.
Common signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome
- Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits
- Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
- Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
- Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections
- Acne
Signs and symptoms women with Cushing syndrome may experience
- Thicker or more visible body and facial hair (hirsutism)
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Signs and symptoms men with Cushing syndrome may experience
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased fertility
Other signs and symptoms that may occur with Cushing syndrome
- Severe fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Depression, anxiety and irritability
- Loss of emotional control
- Cognitive difficulties
- New or worsened high blood pressure
- Headache
- Increased pigmentation of the skin
- Bone loss, leading to fractures over time
Causes
Excess levels of the hormone cortisol are responsible for Cushing syndrome.
Cushing syndrome can develop from a cause outside of your body (exogenous Cushing syndrome). One example is taking oral corticosteroid medications in high doses over an extended period of time. These medications, such as prednisone, have the same effect in the body as does cortisol produced by your body.
However, when the level of cortisol is too high in your body, you may develop Cushing syndrome
Complications
Without treatment, complications of Cushing syndrome may include:
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Frequent or unusual infections
- Loss of muscle mass and strength.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351310
