What is Cushing’s disease?
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, secrete the hormone cortisol. The pituitary gland controls the release of cortisol by making a hormone called ACTH.
Cortisol is needed for the metabolism of sugar and protein, maintaining blood pressure, and it also helps the body recover from infection and stress.
In Cushing’s disease, the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This is often caused by a hormone-secreting tumour in the pituitary. In the pituitary, the tumor produces too much ACTH—the hormone that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.
Patients with Cushing’s disease typically: Gain weight, especially in the upper body, have a rounded face and extra fat on the upper back, have high blood sugar, have thin bones, muscle loss and weakness, thin, fragile skin that bruises easily, purple-red stretch marks (especially on the abdomen and upper arms), depression and unable to focus, abnormal facial hair in women, irregular or absent periods, and reduced sex drive.
Several tests need to be performed before a diagnosis of Cushing's Disease is confirmed. A referral to a specialized pituitary clinic such as ours is needed.
Our pituitary clinic has an Cushing's support group that meets every 3-6 months in Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you would like more information please contact us. Please also check the events calendar for upcoming meetings.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, secrete the hormone cortisol. The pituitary gland controls the release of cortisol by making a hormone called ACTH.
Cortisol is needed for the metabolism of sugar and protein, maintaining blood pressure, and it also helps the body recover from infection and stress.
In Cushing’s disease, the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This is often caused by a hormone-secreting tumour in the pituitary. In the pituitary, the tumor produces too much ACTH—the hormone that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.
Patients with Cushing’s disease typically: Gain weight, especially in the upper body, have a rounded face and extra fat on the upper back, have high blood sugar, have thin bones, muscle loss and weakness, thin, fragile skin that bruises easily, purple-red stretch marks (especially on the abdomen and upper arms), depression and unable to focus, abnormal facial hair in women, irregular or absent periods, and reduced sex drive.
Several tests need to be performed before a diagnosis of Cushing's Disease is confirmed. A referral to a specialized pituitary clinic such as ours is needed.
Our pituitary clinic has an Cushing's support group that meets every 3-6 months in Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you would like more information please contact us. Please also check the events calendar for upcoming meetings.