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- Blood, Urine, and Saliva Test; to check for high levels of cortisol.
- Imagery Tests such as MRI and CT scans to examine the images of the adrenal and pituitary glands for any trace of abnormalities or tumors.
- Reducing steroids use, to reduce the risk of side effects associated with high cortisol levels.
- Medications such as:
- Ketoconazole
- Mitotane
- Metyrapone
- Mifepristone
- Pasireotide
- Radiation therapy, to reduce and eliminate any tumor.
- Surgery, by removing the tumors that may have been caused by steroids.
- Transsphenoidal Surgery, performed through the nose and sinus cavity to remove brain tumors.
Symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms of crushing syndrome may include the following:
- Buffalo humps; fatty lumps between the shoulders and neck.
- Rounded, moon-shaped face
- Thinning of legs and arms
- Acne
- Stretch marks with shades of pink and purple.
- Excessive hair
- Uncontrollable hunger
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irregular or stopped menstrual cycle
- Peripheral edema
- Weight gain
- Weak muscles
- Loss of libido
- Infertility
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis.
Causes
Causes of Cushing Syndrome
This persistent high level of cortisol levels, over time, arising from the use of steroid drugs or cholesterol foods is the common cause of this syndrome. It can also occur when the body's adrenal and pituitary glands produce excess cortisol hormones.
FAQ
What is the difference between Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease?
Where Cushing syndrome is a condition where there is excess cortisol in the body, Cushing disease is a major type of Cushing syndrome that occurs when a tumor in the pituitary gland produces a very high level of cortisol.
Can Cushing syndrome be cured?
Yes, it can, by reducing the cases that cause the presence of high cortisol levels in the body. Tumors can be taken out, and steroids use and intake of high cholesterol can be stopped.
How long does Cushing syndrome take to go away?
If it is effectively handled and treatments are used to target the source of excess cortisol, symptoms may begin to disappear from 2 months.
What happens if Cushing syndrome is left untreated?
If left untreated, high cortisol level results in a very round face, weight gain in your midsection and upper back, and easy bruising. If it worsens, it can result in hypertension and osteoporosis.
Who is most likely to get Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome can happen to anyone of any age, but it commonly occurs in adults from age 30 to 50, and women are more affected than men.