What Is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by raised levels of the hormone cortisol in your body. It is additionally known as hypercortisolism. Cortisol arises from your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. It helps your body:
- Control blood pressure
- Improve blood pressure
- Lower inflammation
- Turn the food you eat into energy
But when you have too much cortisol, it can yield off your body’s other systems. Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome can be cured, though it may take some time for your symptoms to facilitate up. The condition is more frequent in women than in men. It’s most often seen in people ages 25-40.
Causes
You can get Cushing’s syndrome when there is too much cortisol in your body for too lengthy. The most frequent cause is related to medications called glucocorticoids, also commonly known as corticosteroids, steroids, or prednisone. These prescript steroids are used for conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or after an organ transplant. They are potent anti-inflammatory medications. Taking too much, for too long, can begin Cushing’s syndrome.
You can also get Cushing’s syndrome from injectable steroids, such as renewed shots for joint pain, bursitis, and back pain. Steroid skin creams, used for eczema and other skin problems, or less expected to cause Cushing’s syndrome, but it can happen.
A tumor in your pituitary gland found at the bottom of the brain, or a tumor in the adrenal glands can also prompt your body to make too much cortisol, which can begin to Cushing’s.
ACTH is a hormone that controls cortisol. In rare cases, an ACTH secreting tumor produces Cushing’s syndrome. This kind of tumor can form in an organ that does not directly produce ACTH nut because of the tumor, it begins to make a lot of it. these tumors can be harmful. They are normally found in the lungs, pancreas, or thymus gland.
It is not normally a condition that is passed along in families. In some unusual cases, though, people have it because difficulty in their genes makes them more likely to get tumors on their glands.
Symptoms
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an overdose of the hormone cortisol. Your adrenal glands generate cortisol. It aids with a number of your body’s functions including:
- Regulating blood pressure and the cardiovascular system
- Reducing the immune system’s inflammatory response
- Balancing the effects of insulin
- Responding to stress
Your body may generate high levels of cortisol for a variety of reasons that includes:
- High-stress levels involve stress related to an acute illness, surgery, injury, or pregnancy in the final trimester
- Athletic training
- Malnutrition
- Alcoholism
- Depression, panic disorders, or high levels of emotional stress.
Treatment
The first thing your doctor will think out is why you have too much cortisol. That will lead to how to manage your condition.
- If you have too much cortisol because you are getting steroid medicines, your doctor will check to see if you can slowly lower your dose while still maintaining your asthma, arthritis, or other condition.
- You may need surgery to eliminate a tumor.
- You may have radiation alongside surgery if the tumor can’t be totally removed. It can also be practiced instead of surgery in some cases.
- Medications to control cortisol production may be an option when surgery and radiation don’t operate. These medications have severe side effects. A doctor may also guide medications before surgery in people who are very sick with Cushing’s syndrome.
- In some cases, the tumor or its treatment will affect other hormones produced by the pituitary or adrenal gland, and you may require hormone replacement medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle modifications may help you manage your Cushing’s syndrome and stay healthier:
- Eating well is an essential part of living with Cushing’s. A healthy diet can help some symptoms and prevent others. your bones by eating foods with calcium and vitamin D. Limit how enough sodium and fatty foods you eat. It can aid you to make sure you are getting plenty of the right nutrients.
- Soothe aches and pains with hot baths, massages, and gentle exercises such as water aerobics.
- Take time for the people and activities you enjoy. it’s OK to tell no and set limits, so you keep your energy up. If you are thinking overwhelmed, talk to a counselor.
