Doctors recommend everyone engage in stress-relieving activities because pressure is often associated with health problems like Cushing’s syndrome. Find out what it is, its cause, symptoms to watch out for and how it’s treated.
What Is Cushing’s Syndrome?
The body produces various hormones to regulate different functions. Cortisol is one of these, which many know is associated with stress. Cushing’s syndrome (CS), or hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder that occurs when cortisol persists at high, unhealthy levels.
It affects people between 20 and 50 years old but is also diagnosable in children and teens on rare occasions. Women are three times at risk of it — perhaps because of excessive stress.
Anyone with this disorder needs to receive treatment, as it can be fatal if left alone.
Causes
The causes of Cushing’s syndrome can be classified into exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous factors are outside the body, whereas endogenous ones are those inside.
1. Endogenous CS
This type of CS is rare, affecting about 2.3-3.2 people in every million per year, 10% of whom are children. There are two ways it can develop internally.
Genetic
There’s limited study on the genetic cause of CS. However, scientists have discovered that defects in germline genes — those associated with reproductive cells — and some mutations after conception contribute to the development. As a result, some people could inherit the disorder.
Consistent and Abnormal Cortisol Volumes
The adrenal glands located at the top of the kidneys produce the steroid hormone cortisol. Its production is initiated when the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
The adrenal then uses the presence of ACTH as a cue to produce cortisol. Both the adrenal and pituitary are part of the endocrine system, which regulates mood, metabolism and other processes.
Cushing disorder occurs when benign tumors grow in the pituitary gland, causing excessive release of ACTH and, subsequently, overproduction of cortisol. When this happens for an extended period, you may ultimately develop the disease.
2. Exogenous CS
Meanwhile, the external cause of the disorder is associated with ingesting corticosteroid medications to treat conditions such as asthma, lung cancer or a brain tumor. Examples of these drugs are prednisolone, prednisone or dexamethasone. Your doctor can perform various tests to determine the cause and determine the next steps, whether discontinuing the medication or trying other methods to reduce complications.
Who Is at Risk?
Both behavioural and genetic factors trigger the risks of CS. Women are at a higher risk of the disorder than men. Additionally, people who take corticosteroids as a maintenance medication for a specific condition may also develop it.
Symptoms
Consult your doctor to assess your tendency for CS if you notice the following symptoms:
- Excess fat in the upper body
- Extreme fatigue
- Backache
- High blood pressure
- Bluish-red stretch marks on the skin
- High blood sugar
- Easy bruising
Since this condition affects hormones, women suspected of having CS may experience excess growth of facial and body hair and irregular menstruation. Although not an emergency, it’s recommended to check with your health care provider if signs start to manifest.
Psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and irritability, may accompany CS. You may find it harder to control the burst of emotions, which may require you to check in with a mental health professional to recalibrate your emotional and stress levels.
However, it may incur out-of-pocket costs since insurance doesn’t cover therapy or counseling services. In a survey, 17% of Americans stated their health coverage doesn’t pay for mental health services, so check with your provider for further options.
Treatment
Typical Cushing’s syndrome treatment combines medications, surgery and natural approaches.
- Medication therapy: Your doctor may prescribe drugs that inhibit the production of cortisol, such as ketoconazole and mitotane.
- Surgical procedure: A surgeon will remove the tumors that prompt irregularities in hormone production.
- Natural remedies: If you’re overweight, your care provider may put you in a program with a nutritionist to lose excess fat and give you an appropriate diet.
Take a Cushing’s syndrome quiz to understand your risks if you want to know whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to the disorder. The result doesn’t replace a comprehensive doctor’s diagnosis. Therefore, even if you get a yes, reach out to your health care provider for a conclusive result.
Consult Your Doctor
Visit your physician for a comprehensive clinical workup if you have symptoms. Early detection can increase the chance of treatment success and consequently reduce the negative impact of Cushing’s syndrome on your health and life.