Symptoms




Today is ...and it's about time there was some support for Cushing's!

Cushing's disease is an endocrine condition, first described in 1932 by neurosurgeon, Dr. Harvey Cushing, It is due to tumors of the adrenal cortex, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland or prolonged use of cortisone drugs.

Notes:

	It is more common in women. The female to male incidence is about 5:1 for Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal or pituitary tumor.
	Ectopic ACTH production is more frequent in men due to the increased incidence of lung tumors in this population.
	The peak incidence of Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal or pituitary adenoma occurs in ages 25-40 years.
	Ectopic ACTH production due to lung cancer usually occurs later in life.

Symptoms include (Note: Not every patient has every symptom):

	Fatness of the face, sometimes called "moonface", neck and trunk
	Facial plethora
	Puffy eyes
	Softening of the spine
	Absence of menstruation
	Ruddy complexion with purple markings
	Pink or purple stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts (striae)
	Easy bruising, poor healing after cuts and bruises,
	Acne
	Diminished resistance to infections
	Hypertension
	Osteopenia
	Osteoporosis (thin, weak bones)
	Diabetes mellitus
	Muscle weakness
	Kidney stones
	"Buffalo hump", a fat accumulation over the upper back and trunk
	Facial hair in women (Hirsuitism),
	Enlarged clitoris
	Peptic ulcers
	Low resistance to infection
	Mental disturbances, including depressions and hallucinations may occur, moodiness, anxiety or irritability; confusion or psychosis
	Severe fatigue, weak muscles, lack of energy, high blood pressure and high blood sugar
	Women: irregular menstrual periods, new facial hair and a receding hair line

	Men also may have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex
	Children also tend to be obese with slowed growth rates and remain short.