Cushing's Syndrome

Cushings syndrome is caused by long-term exposure to too much cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal gland makes. Sometimes, taking synthetic hormone medicine to treat an inflammatory disease leads to Cushing's. Some kinds of tumors secrete a hormone that can cause your body to make too much cortisol.

Cushing's syndrome is rare. Some symptoms are

• Upper body obesity
• Thin arms and legs
• Severe fatigue and muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Easy bruising

Your treatment will depend on why you have too much cortisol. If it is because you have been taking synthetic hormones, a lower dose may control your symptoms. If a tumor caused it, surgery and other therapies may be needed. Most of the time, Cushing's syndrome can be cured.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke