Cushings Syndrome is a condition that exposes the body to high levels of cortisol hormone for an extended time. It can be caused by prolonged exposure to medications or by the bodies natural production. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. It is most commonly found in the lining of body organs like the breasts, stomach, lungs, and bowels.
Symptoms of this disease include skin conditions like acne, easy bruising, or purple marks on the abs, thighs, and breasts. Other symptoms include impotence in men, heave menstrual cramps in women, weight gain, and weakness. Mental changes are also possible. More serious symptoms can include high blood pressure, fatigue, bone pain or tenderness, and muscle atrophy. Sexual hormones can change and cause a loss of sexual interest as well as erectile dysfunction in men or irregular facial hair growth in women. Physical changes can include a fatty hump between the shoulders or central weight gain that doesn’t affect the arms or legs.
Diagnosis begins with laboratory tests that confirm high levels of cortisol. Urine tests and blood tests are effective in monitoring this level. Low potassium levels, and high levels of blood sugar and white blood cells counts are possible. When searching for the cause of the disease, and MRI of the pituitary or abdominal CT may be ordered. Removal of the tumor is possible, but there is a chance the condition can return. Cushings Syndrome can be life threatening if untreated.
The most common cause is a side effect to taking multiple doses of anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. It can also be caused by the natural production of too much cortisol in the adrenal glands. This is stimulated by the ACTH hormone produced in the pituitary gland. Tumors of the pituitary or adrenal glands can often result in this condition.
Treatment for Cushings Syndrome is dependent on the cause of the condition. If it is caused by corticosteroid exposure, a slow decrease from the medication is supervised. It is not recommended to remove the medicine from the body all at once for risk of a life threatening adrenal crisis. Medication can be changed from a long acting steroid to a shorter one like hydrocortisone or can prescribed for every other day use. If the condition is caused by pituitary tumors, the best chance of recovery is the surgical removal of the tumor known as transsphenoidal adenomectomy. It is possible for the condition to return after the operation and surgery can be repeated. If caused by adrenal tumors, the affected glad must be removed is cancerous and daily hormone replacement is prescribed. If the tumors are located in the lungs or other body organs, the tumor tissue must be destroyed. A combination of treatments includeing radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery are required. Because of the risk for developing heart attack and stroke, Cushings syndrome treatments begins immediately.