Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare problem caused when the adrenal gland(s) makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. CS is most often due to a tumor or mass found in the pituitary gland, but can also be caused by tumors in the adrenal glands themselves.
Archived from the 2022 edition
Overview
People with Cushing's syndrome may see their face get round ("moon face"), they gain weight in unusual ways, bruise easily or feel weak, tired and sad. Women and men may also notice fertility and other problems. CS is most often found in adults between the ages of 20 and 50.
The adrenal glands are found above each kidney. They are triangle-shaped, and measure about half an inch in height and 3 inches in length. Each adrenal gland has 2 layers.
In this entry
The archived page carried these sections, in this order.
- What Happens Under Normal Conditions?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Benign Pituitary Tumor (Adenoma)
- Adrenal Tumor
- Ectopic (Abnormal) ACTH
- Steroids
- Diagnosis
- Dexamethasone Suppression Test
- 24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test