Cushing Syndrome
Too much cortisol in the body could lead to several disorders, including a fatty bump between the shoulders, stretch marks, and a rounded face. But, more than those hallmark signs, the condition popularly known as Cushing syndrome may also cause bone loss, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It could also be the basis for insulin resistance, resulting in the unsightly appearance of dark marks that are velvety and sometimes itchy, medically known as acanthosis nigricans.
Cushing syndrome may sometimes occur due to taking corticosteroid medication to treat arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease. Other times, it is caused by a growth or tumor at the brain’s pituitary gland. No matter the cause, early diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is essential for the effectiveness of its treatment. The symptoms of this condition slowly get worse if left untreated, so patients must get professional medical advice before it’s too late.
Cushing syndrome is detected by measuring the level of cortisol in one’s saliva, blood, or urine. If a patient returns results of high cortisol levels, the doctor may refer the patient to an endocrinologist to confirm it and develop a treatment plan against it.
