Cushing's syndrome

Overview

Long-term steroid medicines are the most common cause. A tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland can also cause it.

Signs include a round face, belly fat, a fatty hump between the shoulders, thin skin, and easy bruising.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Weight gain in face and belly
• Purple stretch marks, rounder face, or fat on the upper back

Less common

• Purple stretch marks
• Easy bruising
• High blood pressure
• Weak muscles

Look up a symptom: Bruising easily or bleeding for a long time · Purple stretch marks, rounder face, or fat on the upper back · Weight gain

When to get medical care

Causes

Steroids, tumors.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• People taking steroid pills for a long time: The most common cause
• Women 20 to 50: More likely to have a tumor cause

Possible complications

• Osteoporosis (bone loss): Weak bones
• Diabetes: High blood sugar

Diagnosis

Tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Cortisol tests:

Treatment

Treat cause.

Self-care

• Don't stop steroids suddenly

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use the lowest steroid dose needed

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Could my steroid medicine cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cushing's syndrome