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Cushing's Syndrome
Alternate Names : Hypercortisolism
Definition A disease caused by increased production of cortisol or by excessive use of cortisol or other steroid hormones.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cushing's syndrome is a condition that results from an excess of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is Cushing's disease caused by excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Cushing's syndrome can be caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, a tumor of the adrenal gland, a tumor somewhere other than the pituitary or adrenal glands (ectopic Cushing's syndrome), or by long-term use of corticosteroids (drugs commonly used to treat conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma).
Risk factors are adrenal tumor or pituitary tumor, chronic therapy with corticosteroids, and being female.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Cushing's Syndrome Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms & Signs
• Cushing's Syndrome Prevention
• Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosis & Tests
• Cushing's Syndrome Treatment
• Cushing's Syndrome Prognosis
• Cushing's Syndrome Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acne
• Asthma
• Cushing's Syndrome - Adrenal Tumor
• Cushing's Syndrome - Exogenous
• Diabetes
• Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome
• Nephrolithiasis
• Pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's Disease)
• Pituitary Tumor
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Tumor
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• ACTH
• Cortisol - Urine
• Cortisol Level
• Cranial CT Scan
• Dexamethasone Suppression Test
• Glucose Test
• MRI of the Head
• Potassium Test
Other Topics
• Adrenal Glands
• Back Pain - Low
• Bone Pain or Tenderness
• Broken Bone
• Chronic
• Confusion
• Erection Problems
• Facial Swelling
• Fatigue
• Headache
• High Blood Pressure
• Hump Behind the Shoulders
• Menstruation - Absent
• Muscle Atrophy
• Obesity
• Skin Blushing/Flushing
• Thirst - Excessive
• Urination - Excessive Volume
• Weakness
• Weight Gain - Unintentional
Review Date : 2/14/2002
Reviewed By : Stephanie Fish, M.D., Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania Medicial Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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