Cushing's Syndrome

Description

A condition that occurs from exposure to high cortisol levels for a long time. The most common cause is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. The condition can also occur when your body makes too much cortisol on its own.

Common Symptoms

• Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back (buffalo hump)
• A rounded face (moon face)
• Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin
• Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
• Slow healing of cuts

Common Causes

• Taking corticosteroid medications in high doses over an extended time. Alternatively, a tumor on the pituitary gland or an adrenal gland can cause the body to produce too much cortisol.

Treatment Information