Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a rare condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. You're more likely to get it if you take high doses of steroid medicines for a long time.
Prescription review online
A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.
Talk to a doctor online
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
On this page
Medicines commonly prescribed for Cushing's syndrome
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: INJECTABLE, 4 mg dexamethasoneActive substance: dexamethasoneManufacturer: Laboratorios Ern S.A.Prescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 4 mg/mlActive substance: dexamethasoneManufacturer: Medochemie LimitedPrescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 40 mg dexamethasone phosphate /5 mlActive substance: dexamethasoneManufacturer: Laboratorios Ern S.A.Prescription required
Cushing's syndrome is a rare condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. You're more likely to get it if you take high doses of steroid medicines for a long time.
Causes of Cushing’s syndrome
The most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is taking high doses of steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone for a long time.
Sometimes, a small, non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland (near the brain) or adrenal glands (near the kidneys) can also cause too much cortisol to be released.
These glands help control the amount of certain hormones in your body, including cortisol.
If the problem is caused by the pituitary gland it’s called Cushing’s disease. If it's caused elsewhere in the body, it’s called Cushing's syndrome.
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Anyone can get Cushing’s syndrome, but it’s much more common in women than in men.
The symptoms often come on gradually and include:
- having more body fat on your neck, upper back, chest and tummy – your arms and legs may look thin compared to the rest of your body
- a red, round face – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- skin that bruises easily and stretch marks on your tummy, hips, breasts and under your arms
- muscle weakness, particularly at the top of your arms and legs
- low sex drive (loss of libido)
- changes in mood, such as feeling irritable, anxious or depressed
- irregular periods or periods stopping completely
- excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
Cushing's syndrome is rare in children. If a child does get it, the main symptoms are obesity and being short for their age.
See a GP if:
- you have symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, particularly if you're taking steroid medicine
What happens at your GP appointment
If a GP thinks you might have Cushing’s syndrome, they can arrange for the amount of cortisol in a sample of your blood, pee or spit (saliva) to be checked.
If you have high cortisol, you may be referred to a hormone specialist (an endocrinologist) for further tests to check for problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands.
These may include blood tests and scans of your brain and kidneys.
Treatments for Cushing's syndrome
Treatment for Cushing’s syndrome depends on what’s causing it and how severe your symptoms are.
Treatments can include:
- gradually reducing how much steroid medicine you take (if steroid medicine is causing Cushing’s syndrome)
- medicine to control the amount of cortisol your adrenal glands produce
- radiotherapy to get rid of a non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland
- surgery to remove a growth in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands
- surgery to remove your adrenal glands – after surgery you’ll need to take medicines to replace hormones made by your adrenal glands for the rest of your life
After having treatment for Cushing’s syndrome, the amount of cortisol in your body will be checked. If it’s still high, you may need further treatment.
Complications of Cushing’s syndrome
If Cushing’s syndrome is not treated it can cause serious health problems including:
- heart attack and stroke
- high blood pressure
- type 2 diabetes
- an increased risk of blood clots
- weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- kidney stones
Consult with a doctor about Cushing's syndrome
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Online doctors for Cushing's syndrome
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Cushing's syndrome with a doctor online.
