Mid-Life Hormonal Changes: Onset of Cushing's Syndrome

An Overview of the Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome

Experiencing a sudden onset of weight gain? Fatigue? Stress? Depression? Cardiovascular Complications? These may all be an indication of symptoms related to Cushing's syndrome. As a rare hormonal disorder, Cushing's syndrome affects few Americans each year but, of those affected, the health impact of Cushing's syndrome can lead to life altering complications. Understanding the signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, the methods for diagnosis and treatment, will aid many adults in obtaining the treatment needed to restore a healthy living.

Cushing's syndrome, statistically, affects few people each year. With less than 15 in every one million individuals, Cushing's syndrome, even rare, can lead to life altering health complications. As a syndrome involving abnormal cortisol release, Cushing's syndrome patients will commonly exhibit symptoms such as weight gain around the upper body, including the face, neck and torso. While commonly diagnosed in mid adult life, many adults are not aware of the condition until such time as diagnostic studies reveal a complication exists. For many, it is the weight gain, bruising and weakness in the bones and joints which often results in a visit to a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing Cushing's syndrome is most easily done through several urine specimens over a 24 hour period in which the level of cortisol is tested over a 24 hour period. Once levels are confirmed as high for cortisol, the healthcare professional will then need to determine from what origin the abnormally high cortisol is stemming. While cortisol is stimulated by the functions of the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands, it is the healthcare professional's task to determine which of these is the culprit leading to excess cortisol production and, thus, attributing to the Cushing's syndrome. In some cases, it may be a combination of both glands.