Overview
Cushing's syndrome results from the body being exposed to too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period. It can be caused by long-term use of steroid medication or, less commonly, by a tumour that produces excess cortisol or a related hormone. It causes distinctive changes in weight, skin, and blood pressure, and requires specialist evaluation to identify the cause.
Symptoms
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen and upper back
- A rounded, full face
- Purple or pink stretch marks on the skin
- Easy bruising and thin skin
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- High blood sugar
- Irregular periods or reduced libido
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
Causes & risk factors
- Long-term use of corticosteroid (steroid) medication, the most common cause
- A pituitary gland tumour producing excess ACTH (Cushing's disease)
- An adrenal gland tumour producing cortisol
- Tumours elsewhere in the body producing ACTH (ectopic)
Treatment & self-care
Care generally involves identifying and treating the underlying cause, which may mean carefully adjusting steroid medication under supervision or, when a tumour is responsible, surgery and specialist hormone management. A clinician coordinates testing to confirm the diagnosis and locate the source. This condition requires evaluation and ongoing care from a licensed clinician, often an endocrinologist.
See a doctor urgently if
- You develop unexplained weight gain, easy bruising, purple stretch marks, or new high blood pressure
- You are on long-term steroid medication and notice these changes
- Never stop steroid medication suddenly on your own; do so only under medical guidance
- Seek urgent care for severe weakness, very high blood pressure, or severe abdominal pain