Cushing’s Disease/Syndrome

Cushing’s disease/syndrome is a rather rare condition that occurs from being exposed to high levels of cortisol for a long period of time.  Most commonly it is caused by use of corticosteroid medications, such as Prednisone…or if your body just makes too much cortisol.  Although this condition is rare, you or your loved one may experience it at some point in your life.  Good news is…it’s treatable with medical care. 

The signs and symptoms experienced from one person to the next and from women to men may vary, however common symptoms include noticing progressive obesity and skin changes, including:

·      Experiencing weight gain and collection of fatty tissue, particularly around your midsection and upper back, in your face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump).

·      Stretch marks appearing on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms.

·      Thinning skin that becomes more and more fragile and bruises easily.

·      Slow healing of cuts and/or infections.

·      Development of acne.

·      Women may experience thicker or more visible body/facial hair (hirsutism).

·      Men may experience decreased libido and/or erectile dysfunction.

Other signs and symptoms of this condition include:

·      Fatigue, muscle weakness

·      Depression, anxiety and/or irritability

·      Loss of emotional control

·      Difficulty processing thoughts

·      New onset or worsening of high blood pressure

·      Intolerance to blood sugar that may lead to diabetes

·      Headache

·      Bone loss that may lead to fractures occurring easier over time

As mentioned above, Cushing’s syndrome is a result of excess levels of the hormone cortisol in your body.  Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands, which sit atop both kidneys.  Cortisol plays a number of roles in your body including:

·      Regulation of blood pressure and keeps your cardiovascular system functioning as it should.

·      Helping your body respond to stress and regulating the way you metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet to energy that you can actually use.

If you or your loved one has been prescribed a corticosteroid medication, such as prednisone, to treat a condition (asthma, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease) generally the doses required to treat those conditions will often be higher than the natural amount of cortisol your body normally needs each day, so the effects of excess cortisol will begin to occur.  Therefore, if you’re taking a corticosteroid, or even if you are not taking a corticosteroid medication and you begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above, it may indicate that you are suffering from Cushing’s disease/syndrome and you should not hesitate to see your provider for an exam.  If left untreated, this condition could lead to more severe health problems, including:

·      Bone loss that results in unusual bone fractures (rib fractures and fractures of the bones in the feet).

·      High blood pressure.

·      Diabetes.

·      Frequent or unusual infections that are hard to get rid of.

·      Loss of muscle mass and strength

Diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome can be difficult because other conditions may share the same signs and symptoms.  Your medical provider will complete a thorough physical exam and also note whether or not you have been taking a corticosteroid medication.  Urine, blood and imaging exams may be performed in order to better pinpoint what is exactly going on in your body to make a definitive diagnosis to rule out any other condition.  Once diagnosed your best treatment option will be designed with the goal of lowering the levels of cortisol in your bloodstream and will depend on what is causing you to have the excess cortisol floating around.  Treatment measures may include anything from oral medications to surgical procedures, or both.

Remember though that Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and all your needs related to your diagnosis of Cushing’s disease.  Our professionals will work day in and day out all in the comforts of your own home to maintain your safety and promote your health with your wishes directing the care we provide.  We understand the virtues of dignity and independence and we want to keep those in your life as long as we possibly can.  Enroll today and join our team of professionals who strive to always bring you the best care throughout your journey.