Cushing syndrome results from prolonged excess cortisol, either from the body's overproduction or from glucocorticoid medications mimicking cortisol.
Symptoms include a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, along with high blood pressure, bone loss, and sometimes type 2 diabetes.
Treatments aim to lower cortisol levels and improve symptoms. Early treatment initiation improves the chances of recovery.
Common symptoms include weight gain in the trunk with thin arms and legs, weight gain in the face (moon face), and a fatty lump between the shoulders (buffalo hump).
Thin, frail skin that bruises easily, slow wound healing, and acne can occur in individuals with Cushing syndrome.
Women may experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, irregular or absent periods, while men may have a lower sex drive, reduced fertility, or erectile dysfunction.
Additional symptoms include extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, mood changes like depression and anxiety, trouble concentrating, and high blood pressure.
Infections, skin darkening, bone loss leading to fractures, and stunted growth in children are less common symptoms of Cushing syndrome.
If you have symptoms of Cushing syndrome and are taking glucocorticoid medications, such as for asthma or arthritis, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Early detection and treatment of Cushing syndrome can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.