Cushing Syndrome (hypercortisolism) occurs when your body starts producing high levels of a hormone called, Cortisol. This can happen due to many reasons but the one found in Cushing Syndrome patients is the overuse of corticosteroid medications.

Symptoms for this disease include a round-shaped face along with thinner skin and weight gain. Women tend to grow more hair on their upper body and experience menstrual irregularities. On the other hand, men might develop erectile and/or fertility problems. This problem is also quite common in children and such children tend to be obese.

There is not a single test that defines the Cushing Syndrome. Mostly doctors would ask you to get your blood, saliva and urine examined. However, once the diagnosis is made, additional tests are required in order to come to a final conclusion. Certain medicines can get the cortisol levels under control.

What are the Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome?

There are several symptoms for this particular disease. You tend to gain more weight than usual. Moreover, your skin gets thin; you grow acne and experience glucose intolerance. High blood pressure, anxiety, depression, overgrown hair, muscle weakness and fatigue are all symptoms of this particular syndrome. Children experiencing this problem tend to grow slowly. Men, in this case, experience erectile and fertility dysfunction while women tend to grow more hair on the upper body.

What are the Causes of Cushing Syndrome?

As mentioned before, the condition exists in people who have a high level of hormone called Cortisol in their body. This hormone is produced inside the adrenal glands and is used for several body functions such as regulating blood pressure, stress response, balancing the effects of insulin and converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.

Your body may start producing high level of this particular hormone due to alcoholism, depression, panic attack, high stress levels or even during pregnancy.

Several people use corticosteroid medications and once they keep in-taking them for a long time, they eventually end up suffering with this particular syndrome. Besides this, Gland tumours may also cause the Cushing Syndrome.

How can Cushing Syndrome be Diagnosed?

There is not a particular test that can help you diagnose this problem. A thorough examination is required to draw a final conclusion. The doctor is expected to go through your medical history. Moreover, a 24-hour urinary Cortisol test is also necessary. Besides this, a saliva test and suppression blood-pressure test is also needed.

How can the Cushing Syndrome be Treated?

The treatment solely depends upon the reason why the syndrome exists. Several doctors prescribe medicines in order to control the hormonal level in your body. However, in the case of cancers or tumours, surgical removal is required.