About Cortisol

Cortisol is the bodys main stress hormone.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, mimic the effects of cortisol.

This can result from a pituitary tumor or other growth.

Kidneys and adrenal glands, illustration

SCIENTIFICANIMATIONS.COM / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Other causes of the syndrome include corticosteroid use and adrenal tumors.

In some cases, theyre prescribed at high doses and for a long period of time.

Its important to see a physician with any concerns about symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

If those levels are high, the doctor may order a test called adexamethasone suppression test.

A physician may move to a more intensive testing procedure if the initial screening shows that this is necessary.

Surgery is usually the first-line treatment for patients with Cushing’s disease.

It is important to slowly decrease the amount of corticosteroid taken over the course of weeks or even months.

A different medication or dose may be found to be a more appropriate treatment for the underlying condition.

Reducing the risk of fractures with medications used to treat osteoporosis might also be necessary.

2011;40(2):379-ix.

doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2011.01.006

National Institutes of Health.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cushing’s Syndrome.

Ohio State University Brain Institute.Cushing Disease/Cushing Syndrome.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease.

National Institutes of Health.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cushing’s Syndrome.

National Institutes of Health.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cushing’s Syndrome.