Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome happens when your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol, which is a natural chemical that helps manage stress.
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Cushing's syndrome occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of cortisol for a long time. Cortisol is a hormone—a chemical messenger—produced by your adrenal glands, which are small, triangle-shaped organs sitting right on top of your kidneys. While cortisol is important for your health, having too much of it changes how your body processes energy and reacts to stress.
The condition often happens because of external factors or internal growths that force the adrenal glands to work in overdrive. Because cortisol affects almost every organ in the body, having an excess of it can lead to noticeable changes in your physical appearance and how you feel day-to-day.
Common Symptoms
- Rapid weight gain in the midsection and upper back, often creating a fatty hump between the shoulders.
- A round, red, and puffy face often called a moon face.
- Purple or pink stretch marks appearing on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Easily bruised skin that heals very slowly.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.