Cushing Syndrome
Answers to common questions about cushing syndrome.
Questions on this page
What is Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to excess cortisol for a prolonged period.
What are the symptoms?
Possible features include:
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Rounded face
- Increased fat around the neck
- Thin arms and legs
- Easy bruising
- Purple stretch marks
- Muscle weakness
- High blood pressure
- High blood glucose
- Osteoporosis
- Menstrual irregularities
- Reduced sexual function
Not everyone will have all of these features.
What is Cushing disease?
Cushing disease is a specific type of Cushing syndrome caused by an ACTH-producing pituitary tumour.
Can steroids cause Cushing syndrome?
Yes.
Long-term treatment with glucocorticoid medicines can produce features of Cushing syndrome. This is called exogenous or iatrogenic Cushing syndrome.