“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Cushing's disease is a rare condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone in the body. It is usually caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain that produces excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.
Symptoms of Cushing's disease can include weight gain, especially around the midsection and face, stretch marks on the skin, muscle weakness, thinning skin, and easy bruising. Other symptoms can include high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and mood swings.
Diagnosis of Cushing's disease may involve a series of tests, including blood and urine tests to measure cortisol levels, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes additional tests to determine the location and size of the tumor.
Treatment for Cushing's disease usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by medication to replace cortisol and other hormones that may be affected by the surgery. In some cases, radiation therapy or medications may also be used to shrink or control the tumor. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people with Cushing's disease can achieve good outcomes and manage their symptoms effectively.