What is Cushing’s?

Cushing’s is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol plays an essential role in regulating inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. However, when cortisol levels become excessive, a range of symptoms can appear.

What are the symptoms of Cushing’s?

These symptoms may include acne, a “buffalo hump” (fat accumulation on the upper back and neck), elevated blood sugar, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, headaches, high blood pressure, increased hair growth, menstrual irregularities, central obesity (weight gain mainly in the midsection), a round, full face known as “moon face,” purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, and psychological symptoms such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

What is Cushing’s Syndrome?

Cushing’s is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol plays an essential role in regulating inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This can be due to certain steroids medications or adrenal tumors, tumors elsewhere in the body that are not in the pituitary or adrenal glands, or other conditions such as severe depression, stress, or hormonal imbalances.

What is Cushing’s Disease?

Cushing’s disease is primarily caused by a tumor located in the pituitary gland in the brain. This tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of ACTH, which in turn stimulates overproduction of cortisol.

Why is Cushing’s difficult to diagnose?

Cushing’s Syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder often shrouded in uncertainty due to its subtle and varied symptoms. Symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, hypertension, and mood changes often mimic other conditions. This overlap results in frequent diagnostic errors, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness.

Who does it affect?

Cushing’s affects women more often than men, and the onset of symptoms can be gradual, often making diagnosis difficult. Misdiagnosis is a common hurdle, delaying effective treatment and impacting patient quality of life.

Why is Cushing’s Syndrome considered rare?

Cushing’s syndrome is so-called rare, with 2 to 8 out of every 1 million people being diagnosed annually and 10 to 15 per million being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. Although it’s considered rare, Cushing’s is more common than statistics often suggest because many individuals remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed for years.