Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is due to chronic excess of cortisol - like hormones (called glucocorticoids). It may be the result of a pituitary tumour secreting ACTH (adreno-cortico trophic hormone) or a tumour of the adrenal cortex itself, but by far the most common cause is the ingestion of steroids taken by mouth to treat other conditions are such as asthma or arthritis. High levels of steroid intake cause weight gain and obesity, weak limbs, a moon shaped face with spots and increased hair growth (unpleasant for women) thin skin which easily tears and does not heal, a fat pad deposited across the shoulders forming a Buffalo hump, high blood pressure and osteoporosis causing weak bones which fracture spontaneously. There are high levels of blood sugar causing diabetes mellitus. People with Cushing's syndrome who are taking steroids - and those looking after them - need to balance the benefit against the side effects (as with every other treatment). People with Cushing's syndrome who are not taking steroids need to be investigated so the source can be determined.
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