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Cushing Syndrome(Cushing Disease; Hypercortisolism)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionCushing syndrome is too much of a hormone called cortisol in the blood. In normal doses, this hormone helps the body manage stress and infection. High levels over a long period of time can cause health problems. CausesHigh levels of this hormone may be caused by:
Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in people who use corticosteroids to treat problems, such as: SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests, urine tests, and saliva tests to check a person's levels of cortisol. Images may be taken to look at the pituitary and adrenal glands and at other internal structures. This may be done with: TreatmentTreatment of Cushing syndrome depends on the cause. Options are:
PreventionThe risk of this problem may be lowered by limiting long-term corticosteroid use. RESOURCES:Cushing's Support and Research Foundation http://www.CSRF.net Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Cushing disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cushing-disease. Accessed October 22, 2020. Cushing's syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 22, 2020. Nieman LK, Biller BM, et al. Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Aug;100(8):2807-2831. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD | |