A CONDITION OF EXCESS CORTISOL IN THE BODY
Cushing's Syndrome
A condition caused by prolonged high cortisol levels, leading to weight gain, a round face, easy bruising, weak muscles and diabetes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol — a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It can result from long-term use of steroid medication (most common), tumours of the pituitary gland producing excess ACTH (Cushing's disease), or tumours of the adrenal glands or other organs. Typical features include weight gain especially around the abdomen, a rounded ('moon') face, fat collection at the back of the neck, thinning of skin with easy bruising, purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, diabetes, mood changes, irregular periods in women and reduced libido in men. Diagnosis involves specific blood, urine and saliva tests for cortisol, along with imaging of the pituitary and adrenal glands. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include withdrawing steroid medication, surgery, radiation or specific medications. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation, coordination of investigations and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Long-term steroid medication use (most common)
- Pituitary tumour producing excess ACTH (Cushing's disease)
- Adrenal gland tumour producing excess cortisol
- Other tumours producing ACTH or cortisol-like hormones
- Some inherited conditions affecting hormone regulation
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Cortisol testing in blood, urine and saliva; suppression tests; imaging of pituitary and adrenal glands
Variable — from mild to severe with significant complications
Depends on cause — withdrawing steroids, surgery, radiation or specific medical therapy
Diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, infections and mood disorders
Most patients improve significantly with appropriate treatment
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Treating the Underlying Cause
The most effective approach is identifying and treating the underlying cause — gradual withdrawal of steroid medication where safe, surgery for pituitary or adrenal tumours, radiation when needed, or specific medical therapy. Comprehensive management of complications is also essential.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews medications, examines for typical features and orders specific cortisol tests and imaging of the pituitary and adrenal glands.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified cause, with appropriate specialist referrals where surgery or radiation is needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Adjustment or withdrawal of steroid medication, cortisol-lowering medical therapy where indicated, and management of diabetes, blood pressure and bone health.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term monitoring of hormone levels, bone health, blood pressure and blood sugar, with ongoing support during recovery.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Treating Underlying Cause
Care begins with identifying and addressing the underlying cause, whether medication-related or due to a tumour.
Surgery for Adenoma (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Surgical removal of pituitary or adrenal tumours is the most effective treatment for these causes and is arranged with the relevant specialist.
Cortisol-Lowering Medical Therapy
Specific medical therapy that lowers cortisol production may be used before surgery or in patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Radiation in Select Cases (Referral for radiation oncology)
Radiation therapy may be considered for pituitary tumours when surgery is not fully effective or possible.
Hormone Monitoring
Regular monitoring of cortisol, ACTH and other hormones tracks the response to treatment and guides long-term care.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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