Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s Syndrome is a relatively rare illness that generally effects adults between 20 and 50. It is a hormonal disorder which is caused when the body is exposed to high amounts of cortisol for long durations. This means that sufferers of asthma who take glucocorticoid hormones can become effected. In others the body overproduces this hormone itself.

At normal levels the hormone serves some very important functions in the body including control of cardiovascular functions and blood pressure, as well as stress control.

Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome

There are quite a wide variety of symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome. They include obesity which effects only the upper body, often fattening of the neck, and a decrease in the width of arms and legs. High blood pressure, irritability, anxiety, and depression are all common to sufferers.

Bones become weaker, with increased susceptibility to fracture, particularly of the ribs and spinal column. The skin is also affected, becoming thinner and healing less quickly. Bruises tend to linger.

In men there can be a decrease of the sex drive, as well as a drop in fertility, whilst women experience excess hair growth on the legs, body, chest and face. This can be accompanied by anomalies in the menstrual period where they either become irregular or stop.

What causes Cushing’s Syndrome?

Elevated levels of ACTH (adrenocorticotropin), a hormone important a host of bodily functions, result in the Syndrome. This can occur in several ways:

Ectopic ACTH syndrome:
Some tumours of either a benign or malignant nature can produce ACTH. Lung tumours are the most common type which can have this effect. This affects men more commonly than women.

Pituitary Adenomas:
This is the most common cause of Cushing’s Syndrome. Pituitary Adenomas are benign tumours of the pituitary gland which produce excess amounts of ACTH. This form of the syndrome is known as “Cushing’s Disease” and more commonly affects women than men.

In some cases adrenal tumours can release cortisol. There is also an inherited form of Cushing’s Syndrome that is very rare. It is usually the result of an inherited proneness to the development of endocrine gland tumours.

Treatment varies depending on the exact cause but can involve drug therapy, radiation, or surgery.