Signs and Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome

Cortisol is yet another one of the essential elements of the human body. It is a hormone that helps to regulate blood pressure, the immune system and aids in the process of metabolizing proteins, fats and carbohydrates. However, when the body is inundated with this hormone, problems arise. When cortisol remains in high levels in the body, it begins to affect the tissues of the body, resulting in Cushing's Syndrome.

Those most commonly affected by Cushing's Syndrome are individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. While rare, the disease affects up to 15 million people a year. Basically, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are supposed to release ACTH and CRH in order to encourage the adrenal glands in the body to produce more cortisol. When you are highly stressed, pregnant, depressed, very athletic, an alcoholic or suffer from a panic disorder, you will have high levels of cortisol.

However, once your body has enough of the hormone, the ACTH and CRH are supposed to stop being secreted, meaning less cortisol is made. There is a problem when the regulation of the hormone goes away. Cushing's Syndrome can be caused by anything that messes with this regulation process including ectopic ACTH syndrome, adrenal or pituitary tumors or an inherited disorder.

The symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome vary wildly, but can include:

- A very round face

- Obese upper body

- Large amounts of fat around the neck

- Thinning skin

- Thinning arms and legs

- Bruises easily

- Stretch marks

- Weakened bones

- Easily fractured back, ribs and spine

- Facial hair in women

- Amenorrhea

- Decreased fertility

- Lack of libido

X-rays most often need to be completed in order to check for tumors on the pituitary or adrenals glands. Depending upon the various results of the tests performed, your treatment may vary. For instance, if you are diagnosed with Ectopic ACTH syndrome, you will undergo cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or even immunotherapy. Or if you are diagnosed with an adrenal tumor, you will more than likely have the tumor removed surgically or you may need to have the adrenal glands removed entirely.

It is vitally important that you see your doctor the moment you think you may have this disease. Prognosis depends on the underlying factors causing the disease, however, with appropriate and quick treatment, Cushing's Syndrome is treatable.

You can help yourself by monitoring your cortisol levels at home with a testing kit like a wellness panel.

Using health tests like the wellness panel test can help you determine whether or not your coritsol levels are within the normal range and if you should seek the advice of a doctor.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Home Testing Blog - Testing It Up, and a constant contributor to Home Health & Drug Testing Forum, a longer version of this article is located at Signs & Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome and resources from other home health and wellness testing.