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Madison's Story...

I am a 44 year old woman who's well being has deteriorated in the past 6 years.

It all started with weight gain, fatigue, depression, and lack on interest in many things. Then, my husband noticed imflamation in the temples and supraventricular fat pads. Last year, I developed the so called buffalo hump and red striae on the breasts. My periods have almost stopped. (last time I had it was in May).

Up to today, I have gained more than 60 pounds in the last 6 years. Additionally, I developed pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) for which I had to have an emergency visit to the hospital while on vacation in Boston. I had a lumbar punction to ease the pressure in the brain. PTC is linked to Cushings. Having said that, I have had several 24 hour free cortisol urine tests, dexamethasone suppression tests and even MRI of the pituiary and CT of the abdomen and pelvis. All tests have come negative !! yet symptoms continue to grow. Last symptom is hirsutuism. I have hair on my arms and hands and on the face. Last blood work up showed high free testosterone, but

I have read that it is the contrary, i.e. low testosterone which signals towards Cushings. Can some one make sense of all these??? Please help me. Many thanks and it is a pleasure being here with you all.

Best, Madison

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