Cushing's syndrome

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs

Definition

Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes called hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome can occur when your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, make too much cortisol. It may also develop if you're taking high doses of cortisol-like medications (corticosteroids) for a prolonged period.

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. It can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, diabetes.

The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. By contrast, it's rare for the cause to be excess cortisol production by your body. 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.

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Symptoms