Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
• Cushing's Syndrome: This is the main and most widely used term.
• Hypercortisolism: This term refers to the elevated cortisol levels itself, not the specific syndrome.
• Cushing's disease: This refers specifically to the type of Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary tumor, not all types.
What is Cushing's Syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome is a collection of hormonal disorders resulting from high levels of the hormone cortisol. It occurs when the body makes too much cortisol over a long period of time. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," helps the body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and turn the food you eat into energy.
Cushing's syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, thin arms and legs, a round face, increased fat around the neck, easy bruising, high blood pressure, and mood changes. It can be caused by the long-term use of corticosteroid medications or by tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands.
Trend in the United States
• Number of people in the US that have it: Estimates vary, ranging from about 40 to 70 people out of every million.
• Five-year projection: The true number of people with Cushing's syndrome may be higher than reported; exact numbers are challenging to determine due to potential underdiagnosis.
• It typically affects people aged 20 to 50 and affects roughly three times as many women as men.
History of Cushing's Syndrome
The understanding of Cushing's syndrome began with discovering the adrenal and pituitary glands in the 16th century. In 1855, Addison described a condition related to the adrenals. In 1912, Harvey Cushing, for whom it is named, identified a patient with high cortisol levels. It took almost 40 years to confirm that this was due to adrenal overactivity. Surgery for Cushing's disease started in the early 1900s but became more widely accepted with improved techniques in the following years.
Source of Information
• Better Health Channel
• Cleveland Clinic
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• OHSU Brain Institute
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.
