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Cushing's syndrome (also called hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is released from the adrenal gland in response to ACTH being released from the pituitary gland. High levels of cortisol can also be induced by the administration of drugs.
Symptoms include rapid weight gain, particularly of the trunk and face with sparing of the limbs (central obesity), a round face often referred to as a "moon face", excess sweating, telangiectasia (dilation of capillaries), thinning of the skin (which causes easy bruising) and other mucous membranes, purple or red striae (also caused by thinning of the skin) on the trunk, buttocks, arms, legs or breasts, proximal muscle weakness (hips, shoulders), and hirsutism (facial male-pattern hair growth). A common sign is the growth of fat pads along the collar bone and on the back of the neck (known as a buffalo hump). The excess cortisol may also affect other endocrine systems and cause, for example, reduced libido, impotence, amenorrhoea and infertility. Patients frequently suffer various psychological disturbances, ranging from euphoria to frank psychosis. Depression and anxiety, including panic attacks, are common. Other signs include persistent hypertension (due to the aldosterone-like effects) and insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) which can lead to Diabetes mellitus. Untreated Cushing's syndrome can lead to Heart disease and increased mortality. Cushing's syndrome due to excess ACTH may also result in hyperpigmentation of the skin, due to its ability to stimulate melanocyte receptors.1
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercortisolism
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∙ 13y agoendocrine
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What is also known as hypercortisolism?
Endogenous hypercortisolism is known as Cushing's syndrome.
What is the medical term meaning hypercortisolism?
Cushing's syndrome is the more commonly used medical term for hypercortisolism.
What does it mean when you have translucent skin?
Translucent skin is when your skin becomes a little more "see through" than usual. If you have veins that are very visible, then that means that your skin is sort of transparent, especially in white people. There are several causes, but one on the top of my head is Cushing's syndrome, and that is related to a condition called Hypercortisolism-high amounts of cortisol which is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex in our adrenal glands. Anemia is also thought to be another cause. I hope this is beneficial.
What is Cushings disease and treatment available?
Cushing's disease is the human syndrome of hypercortisolism; the name has been applied to hypercorisolism in veterinary medicine even though the origin of the disease is often different in animals than humans. In Cushing's disease, the adrenal glands secrete too much cortisol (and sometimes other related hormones as well), which causes a number of problems throughout the body. There are two types of treatment - surgery to remove some or all of an adrenal gland or oral medication to suppress the adrenal gland.
What body system does Cushing Syndrome affect?
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder (not genetic in most cases) caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone 'Cortisol' (aka: hypercortisolism); it is fairly rare and affects adults ages 20 - 50. 10 - 15% per million people are affected each year.Symptoms vary with each individual such as upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, thinning of the arms and legs. Children that are preconditioned for Cushing's are generally obese with a slowed growth rate.The skin can tell a doctor if the symptoms are Cushing's: The skin becomes fragile and thin; bruises easily; heals poorly. Purplish/pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, arms and breasts (be aware that great losses of weight, or pregnancy can cause pink looking stretch marks as well as IS NOT Cushing's!)Bones weaken and every day activities such as lifting, bending or getting up from a sitting position leads to backaches, rib and spinal column fractures. There is severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure; high blood sugar readings; irritability, anxiety and depression.Women generally have excess hair growth (if going through menopause this can happen and is not Cushing's syndrome) on their face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop. Men have a decreased fertility and diminished libido.Cushing's disease (rather than sydrome) refers to one specific cause, a tumor in the pituitary gland that produces large amounts of ACTH, which in turn elevates cortisol. It can usually be cured by surgery. It was described by Harvey Cushing in 1932. I think you might be looking for "Cushing's Disease"...Some treatments for Cushing's syndrome or disease: Cushing's disease can usually be treated by surgery when the cause is a tumor. Cushing's syndrome can usually be treated by carefully weaning the patient off steroids when steroids are the cause of the problem. The syndrome or disease was identified and described by Harvey Cushing in 1932. Cushing's cases can also appear in domestic dogs and horses.For additional information about Cushing's sign/symptoms, causes/treatments, please see the page link, further down this page, listed under Related Links.A crushing Syndrome is basically hormonal disorder. Like you like this person one minute then the next the next and the next. Some people say "slut". But not a kind answer. It kinda doesn't really exist some people make it up in their mind. But its your life and you can like whoever you choose to.
Ailments of endocrine system?
Some ailments of the endocrine system include:Growth Hormone Deficiency - When a child suffers from inadequate amount of growth hormones, the child may have an immature face and chubby build. The rate of growth of all body parts is slow. Growth hormone deficiency can be total or partial. This endocrine disorder can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure the hormone concentrations and x-rays of hand and wrist bones to determine the bone development. Growth hormone deficiency is treated with growth hormone injections. Treatment usually goes on for a few years until acceptable growth is achieved.Hypopituitarism - This endocrine disorder is sometimes congenital occurring due to abnormalities in the formation of the pituitary or hypothalamus. It can be caused by a brain tumor or infections of the brain and its surrounding tissues.Hypercalcemia - This endocrine disease is caused when the level of calcium in the blood is too high. Calcium level in the body is maintained by Vitamin D and Parathyroid hormone. Hypercalcemia is characterized by bone pain, nausea, kidney stones and hypertension. A person may notice bone pain and spinal chord curvature. Other symptoms are irritability, muscle atrophy and loss of appetite.Addison's disease - This hormonal disorder is caused by inadequate production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Addison's disease include weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. Addison's disease is also known as hypocortisolism. An important fallout of this endocrine disease is hyperpigmentation - darkening on several parts of the body. The deficiency of cortisol can lead to irritability and salt craving.Cushing's syndrome - This endocrine disease is caused due to excessive production of cortisol and is also referred to as 'hypercortisolism'. Typically persons suffering from Cushing's syndrome experience upper body obesity as also severe fatigue, weak muscles and fragile bones. This endocrine disorder is the opposite of Addison's disease.Acromegaly - This endocrine system disorder is a result of excessive production of growth hormone. This disease may be difficult to recognize and diagnose as it sets very slowly in middle aged adults. It is characterized by enlarged hands and feet. This abnormal growth is also noticed in the facial features such as the lower jaw, nose bone and the brow. Persons suffering from this endocrine disease may experience enlarged liver, spleen and kidneys. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac ailments are common fallout of this endocrine system disorder.Hashimoto's disease - This is a case of chronic thyroiditis that is caused due to a reaction by the immune system against the thyroid gland. This disease is hereditary and is manifested with symptoms like mild weight gain, intolerance to cold, dry skin and hair loss. A woman may notice heavy or irregular menstrual cycle.Hypoparathyroidism - This disease of the parathyroid glands is caused due to insufficient levels of calcium in the blood due to the inadequate levels of parathyroid hormone. It can leave a person with tingling feeling in the hands and muscle cramps. Typically this endocrine disease takes years to manifest completely.
