INFO - Cushing's help and support

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What is Cushing's?

Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism or

hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder caused by prolonged

exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol

(in the blood) from a variety of causes, including primary pituitary

adenoma (known as Cushing's disease), primary adrenal hyperplasia or

neoplasia, ectopic ACTH production (e.g., from a small cell lung

cancer), and iatrogenic (steroid use). It is relatively rare and most

commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every

million people are affected each year. Cushing's was discovered by

American physician, surgeon and endocrinologist Harvey Cushing

(1869-1939) and reported by him in 1932.

Normally, cortisol is released from the adrenal glands in response to

ACTH being released from the pituitary gland. Both Cushing's syndrome

and Cushing's disease are characterized by elevated levels of cortisol

in the blood, but the cause of elevated cortisol differs between the

two.

Cushing's disease specifically refers to a tumor in the pituitary

gland that stimulates excessive release of cortisol from the adrenal

glands by releasing large amounts of ACTH.

In Cushing's syndrome, ACTH levels will normally drop due to negative

feedback from the high levels of cortisol. All forms of Cushing's are

correctly called Cushing's Syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to

excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Cortisol helps

maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function and is responsible

for helping the body respond to stress. Many people suffer the

symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take steroids such as

prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other

inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation.

Prednisone is well-known for a " bloating " look that it gives people

who take it.

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