A Look at a Hormonal Disorder Known as Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It is rare and mostly affects adults ages 20 to 50. It is estimated that 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year.The syndrome is named after Harvey Cushing, an American surgeon who first identified the condition.

Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take glucocorticoid hormones for asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Others develop Cushing's syndrome because of overproduction of cortisol by the body.

Symptoms for Cushing's syndrome vary, but most people have upper body obesity. Marked with a rounded face, increased fat around the neck. Along with thinning arms and legs. Symptoms appear in the skin, causing it to become fragile and thin. People with Cushing's syndrome bruise easily and heal poorly. The bones are weakened leading to rib and spinal fractures. Women usually have an overgrowth of hair on their faces, necks, chests , abdomens and thighs. Menstrual periods usually stop. Men have diminished or absent desire for sex with decreased fertility.

Treatments are designed to lower the high level of cortisol in the body. The best treatment depends on the cause of the syndrome. Some of the treatment options include:

Cushing's caused by corticosteroid medications: The doctor may be able to keep your signs and symptoms under control by reducing your dosages of the drug over a period of time. The doctor may also prescribe non corticosteroid drugs.

Cushing's caused by a tumor: If this is the reason behind the Cushing's syndrome the doctor may order complete surgical removal of the tumor. After surgery you will need to take a cortisol replacement medication to provide your body with the correct amount of cortisol.

Medical therapy: Sometimes the doctor will use medication to control excessive production of the cortisol. Mostly when surgery cant produce a normalization of cortisol production.