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Cushing's SyndromeCushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive levels of the endogenous corticosteroid hormone cortisol. Sometimes called hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome can occur when your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, make too much cortisol. It mobilizes nutrients, modifies the body's response to inflammation, stimulates the liver to raise the blood sugar, and it helps control the amount of water in the body. Another adrenal cortex hormone, aldosterone, regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Cortisol production is regulated by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), made in the pituitary gland, which is located just below the brain. It may also be induced iatrogenically by treatment with exogenous corticosteroids for other medical conditions. Too much cortisol can produce some of the hallmark signs of Cushing's syndrome a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. The syndrome is named after Harvey Cushing, an American surgeon who first identified the condition. Treatments for Cushing's syndrome are designed to return your body's cortisol production to normal. By normalizing or even markedly lowering cortisol levels, you'll experience noticeable improvements in your signs and symptoms. Left untreated, however, Cushing's syndrome can eventually lead to death. Cushing's syndrome is a condition in which there is an excess of cortisol (cortisone) Exposure to too much cortisol can occur from long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoid hormones to treat inflammatory illnesses. This can be caused by drugs (e.g. prednisone, depo-medrol, dexamethasone, betamethasone) often prescribed for the treatment of many diseases; this syndrome is known as iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome.The condition is named after a Dr Cushing who first described it in the early 20th century. Cushing's syndrome is rare. About 5 in a million people develop it each year. Most cases are in people aged between 20 and 50. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. In women, there may be increased growth of facial and body hair, and menstrual periods may become irregular or stop completely. Neurological symptoms include difficulties with memory and neuromuscular disorders. Causes of Cushing's SyndromeSome common Causes of Cushing's Syndrome :
Symptoms of Cushing's SyndromeSome Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome :
Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome
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