cortisol
Cushing's Syndrome
A group of symptoms produced by excess of cortisol from the adrenal cortex is known as Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms may include weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and mood changes.
Pheochromocytoma, Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome are the diseases that are associated with adrenal gland.
Diagnosis must not only identify the cortisol excess, but also locate its source.
E24.9 - Cushing's syndrome, unspecified
Cushing disease (or Cushing's syndrome) is when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol. A symptom of Cushing's disease is rapid weight gain. Removing the hormone gland that produces the excess cortisol can cure this disease.
Cushing's causes increased levels of cortisol. Cortisol, at high levels, acts like a mineralcorticoid (aldosterone), stimulating absorption of sodium and excretion of potassium at the collecting tubules. Hence, any disorder involving an excess of mineralcorticoids will cause hypokalemia.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor causing the excess cortisol, medication to lower cortisol levels, or radiation therapy.
"Cushing" refers to Cushing's syndrome, an issue that results from high exposures to the hormone cortisol. The syndrome will result in a tumor appearing on the pituitary gland.
Dorothy T. Krieger has written: 'Cushing's syndrome' -- subject(s): Cushing's syndrome
The most common cause for Cushing's syndrome is iatrogenic, meaning it is a side effect of a medication given by their doctor, but it could also be caused by Cushing's disease (a pituitary adenoma), adrenal gland tumors, or due to hormones secreted by certain types of cancers.
The prognosis for individuals who receive treatment for Cushing syndrome is good with a high likelihood of being cured. However, in affected individuals that are not treated, the prognosis can be poor, with death eventually resulting.