Adrenal Disease - Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome is characterized by the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands that aids in stress response and maintains blood pressure and heart function, among other things. About 15 of every one million Americans a year are affected by this disease, although it goes undiagnosed in many people. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men.

The most common cause of Cushing's Syndrome is a benign adenoma (tumor) in the adrenal gland that produces too much cortisol. Some patients have a similar condition known as Cushing's disease, which is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor produces adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which in turn signals the adrenal gland to produce cortisol.

Other less common causes include longterm use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or asthma; and benign or malignant tumors in other areas of the body that produce ACTH (ectopic ACTH syndrome).

Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

• Excess fat in the neck, upper back and face
• Thin skin that bruises easily and heals slowly
• Purple-red stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs or breasts
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or other sleep disorders