Cushing's Syndrome

      

Cortisol performs vital tasks in the body. It helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, reduces the immune system's inflammatory response, balances the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and regulates the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. One of cortisol's most important jobs is to help the body relieve stress. So far so good, but can over exposure of cortisol necessarily be a bad thing?

            Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of a hormone, cortisol. It is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults ranging from ages 20 to 50. Those who are obese and have type two diabetes, along with poorly controlled blood glucose and high blood pressure, have an increased risk of developing the disorder. Without the aid of proper treatment Cushing’s syndrome is fatal.

            Symptoms tend to vary, but most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs. Children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates. 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. Other common signs and symptoms may also include severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, increased thirst and urination, and irritability, anxiety, or depression.

            There are a few things we as individuals can do to avoid being the next victim of Cushing’s syndrome. Try your best to avoid corticosteroid medications which are often associated with arthritis, bowel diseases like Chrohn's or asthma, can also cause increased levels of cortisol in the body. Limit sodium in your diet as a lower intake of salt will help high blood-pressure, which is a symptom Cushing’s disease. Keep an eye out for symptoms, If you feel you are at risk of developing Cushing’s disease watch for facial hair growth in women and sexual dysfunction in men. Test your vision frequently, Cataracts are a symptom of Cushing's disease and may effect your eyesight substantially. If you see yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms it may be time to take the next step and consult your family doctor as Cushing’s syndrome can be fatal without the aid of proper treatment.
           

Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Typical signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include upper body obesity, a rounded face, skin that bruises easily and heals poorly, weakened bones, excess body hair growth and menstrual irregularities in women, and decreased fertility in men. Cushing’s syndrome is caused by exposure to glucocorticoids, which are used to treat inflammatory diseases, or by the body’s overproduction of cortisol, most often due to tumors of the pituitary gland or lung. Several tests are usually needed to diagnosis Cushing’s syndrome, including urine, blood, and saliva tests. Treatment depends on the specific reason for excess cortisol and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or the use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs. Although the majority of us are unaffected by Cushing's Syndrome at this time, it is important we take certain precautions into consideration as the best way to prevent a disease is often before it starts.

Resources:

http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/neurosurgery/neuroendocrine/conditions/cushings-syndrome.cfm

http://nmcgroups.blogspot.com/2008/01/cushing-syndrome-getting-fatter.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4843446_avoid-cushings-disease.html