When your body makes too much Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Also known as hypercortisolism, it doesn’t just cause weight gain—it can wreck your bones, blood pressure, and mood. This isn’t just about a round face or a fatty hump on your back. It’s a serious condition that often gets missed because its signs look like stress, aging, or laziness.
Most cases come from corticosteroids, medications like prednisone or deflazacort used for asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases. Long-term use is the biggest trigger. But some people develop it from tumors—either in the adrenal glands, the small organs on top of your kidneys that make cortisol, or in the pituitary gland that tells them to produce it. Rarely, tumors in the lungs or pancreas can also cause it. The result is always the same: your body is drowning in cortisol, and it starts breaking down muscle, storing fat, and raising blood sugar.
People with Cushing’s often feel tired all the time, even after sleeping. Their skin bruises easily, heals slowly, and gets stretch marks that look like purple scars. Women might grow more facial hair or stop having periods. Men lose libido. Blood pressure spikes. Diabetes shows up out of nowhere. And depression? That’s common too. It’s not all in your head—it’s in your hormones.
Diagnosis isn’t quick. Doctors test cortisol levels in blood, urine, and saliva. They might use dexamethasone suppression tests or imaging scans to find the source. Treatment depends on the cause. If it’s from pills, your doctor will slowly lower the dose. If it’s a tumor, surgery is often needed. Some cases require radiation or drugs that block cortisol production. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but catching it early makes a huge difference.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that connect the dots between Cushing’s and the drugs, conditions, and treatments that matter. From how Cushing's syndrome overlaps with steroid use to how it affects bone health, diabetes, and even dental care, these posts give you the clear, no-fluff facts you need. Whether you’re managing the condition yourself, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand why a medication might be causing unexpected side effects, this collection has you covered.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by too much cortisol, often from a tumor. Surgery is the most effective cure - especially for pituitary or adrenal tumors. Learn how it works, what to expect, and why timing matters.
