by E.L. Miller

Created on: February 08, 2009

Cushing's syndrome is a disease resulting from the body's exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Also known as hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome can occur as a response to the body's own excess production of the hormone (endogenous Cushing's syndrome), or due to long-term use of corticosteroids (exogenous Cushing's syndrome). Left untreated, Cushing's syndrome can lead to other serious conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and hypertension, and can even be fatal. Fortunately, Cushing's syndrome is a treatable disease, with several methods available to return the body's cortisol levels to normal.

SYMPTOMS

Weight gain and fatty deposits are hallmark symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain occurs mostly around the midsection and causes rounding of the face. Often, sufferers of Cushing's syndrome will develop a fat deposit in the center of the back, between the shoulder blades, known as a buffalo hump. Cushing's syndrome also causes facial flushing, fatigue and muscle weakness.

Other symptoms include skin changes, such as pink or purple stretch marks, easily bruising, and slow-healing cuts or scrapes. It can cause excess hair growth and acne. Since Cushing's syndrome can lead to other conditions, symptoms of those may occur, including newly or worsening high blood pressure, glucose intolerance and bone loss. Cushing's syndrome also affects the mood, causing anxiety and depression, and loss of control over emotions. People who are experiencing many or even a few of these symptoms attributable to Cushing's syndrome should see a doctor.

CAUSES

The hormone cortisol is produced naturally in the body in the adrenal glands. Cortisol has several important functions, such as regulating blood pressure, responding to stress (it is commonly known as the stress hormone), and aiding in metabolism. If cortisol levels remain too high, the body may develop Cushing's syndrome.

High cortisol levels may be the result of the body's own malfunctioning, when the adrenal glands consistently produce too much cortisol. This type of Cushing's syndrome, known as endogenous Cushing's syndrome, may occur solely in the adrenal gland, and may also occur due to overproduction of ACTH, or adrenocorticotropic hormone, which helps the body regulate cortisol levels. Most of these cases begin with a benign tumor that produces excess ACTH, stimulating the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. These tumors may be present in the pituitary gland (in which case the condition is known

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