Do I Have Cushing Syndrome?

Do you have round and full face (“moon face”)?

Do you have a fat bulge between your shoulders (“buffalo hump”)?

Have you gain weight, especially around your abdomen, so your arms and legs look thin?

Do you bruise easily and find pink or purple stretch marks on your abdomen?

Do you have high blood pressure?

As far as you know, do you have high blood sugar?

Do you have trouble sleeping and feel fatigue?

Do you have mood swings or feel depressed?

Do you have muscles weakens (you have difficulties standing up from a sitting position)?

As far as you know, do you have osteoporosis (weakened bones)?

If you are a woman, do you have excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on your face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs?

If you are a woman, do you have irregular menstruation?

If you are a man, do you have decreased sex drive or erectile problems?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder characterized by high levels of a hormone called cortisol. In some people, increased levels of cortisol are the result of prolonged use of oral corticosteroid medications, while in others the body produces too much cortisol on its own. Cortisol is produced by two glands, located on top of your kidneys, called the adrenal glands. The hormone cortisol is also called the “stress hormone” due to its role in controlling stress. Cushing syndrome usually affects adults aged 30 to 50. It is three times more common in women than in men.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome (CS) is a medical disorder in which your adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps your body respond to stress, maintains blood pressure and heart function. It is important for the proper functioning of your immune system and metabolic processes. There are two types of this condition: endogenous and exogenous (caused by factors within the body and outside the body). CS is often caused by a mass found in the pituitary gland or in the adrenal glands themselves. Diagnosing is often an extensive process.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome is a medical disorder caused by prolonged exposure of your body to high amounts of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol affects all organs in your body, so the symptoms of this condition can be diverse. In most cases, people with this condition can be successfully treated and cured. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. In case of prolonged use of steroids, your doctor may reduce the dose of your medication over a period of time. In the case of Cushing's syndrome caused by a tumor, surgical intervention is required.