Cushing’s Syndrome - A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s
tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. In rare cases, an abnormality of
the adrenal glands, most often an adrenal tumour causes Cushing’s syndrome.
Adrenal tumours affect women more than men 4.5:1
Those who are obese and have type 2 diabetes, along with poorly controlled blood
glucose and high blood pressure, have an increased risk of developing the disorder.
Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome vary, but most with the disorder will have
upper body obesity, a rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and relatively
slender arms and legs. Children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates.
Other signs appear in the skin, which becomes fragile and thin, bruises easily, and
heals poorly. Purple or pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks,
arms, and breasts. The bones are weakened, and routine activities such as bending,
lifting, or rising from a chair may lead to backaches and rib or spinal column fractures.
Women with Cushing’s syndrome usually have excess hair growth on their face, neck,
chest, abdomen, and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop.
Men may have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex and, sometimes,
erectile dysfunction.
