Can excessive cortisol levels lead to Cushing syndrome? Doctor explains early warning signs, prevention tips | Health

Cushing syndrome refers to a hormonal disorder that occurs due to the overproduction of cortisol hormone through the adrenal glands. Some of the paths to recognize this rare hormonal disorder are purple stretch marks and a greasy hump between the shoulders. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Pranav, a ghody, endocrinologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, how Cortisol can lead to Cushing's syndrome. Read also | Common reasons of hormonal imbalance in women

“Cortisol has an impact on almost every organ in our body. It is important to maintain blood pressure, blood sugar, energy metabolism and inflammation control. This hormone is often referred to as stress hormone because the adrenal glands produce more cortisol to regulate the stress reaction. Excessive cortisol levels over a period cause a complex disorder called Cushing syndrome, ”said the doctor.

Cushing syndrome: types

Exogenous: If the body is exposed to excess cortisol, it can lead to exogenous Cushing syndrome. This is the most common form of Cushing syndrome and occurs when steroids are often used to treat several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, lupus, joint problems, avoiding transplantation dismissals, etc. The body can be exposed to the excess cortisol from different sources, including tablets, injections, cream, content, inhalators, etc. also read | Menopause and hormonal changes: Doctor shares tips to treat the symptoms naturally

Endogenous: This happens when the body produces too much cortisol from the inside. This is often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland, the adjoining rental or another source, whose ectop tumor such as lungs, pancreas, thymus called ectoptumor, is due. The endogenous Cushing syndrome is less common and occurs with a reported frequency of 10 to 15 people per million per year. It is more common in women and most often occurs in humans between 20 and 50 years. If the excess cortisol comes due to a pituitary gland, it is called Cushing's disease.

Early warning sign of Cushing syndrome:

• Obesity around the belly (central obesity)
• Rounded or swollen face (moon face)
• Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, stomach and thigh (deerutism)
• Significant upper back fat (Buffalo Hump)
• Thin arms and legs
• Dark red purple stretch marks on the chest and stomach

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Cushing syndrome: diagnosis

“The diagnosis of endogenous Cushing syndrome can be a challenge. It consists of first identify excess cortisol levels in blood/urine/saliva and then locate the source (pituitary gland, adjoining screens, ectopes). This is done by checking the ACTH values, using MRI/CT and advanced diagnostic techniques such as the Octreotide scanning of nuclear medicine, a sine sample (lowest petrosal sinus sampling). As soon as the source is identified, the first line treatment often includes surgery to remove the guilty tumor. Patients with hypophysis -related Cushing disease often require repeated operation or gamma knife radiosurgery or medical therapies to control excess cortisol levels, ”explained Dr. Pranav, a ghody. Read also | Do you have a hormonal imbalance? Knowing signs and natural remedies for relief

Prevention tips:

Medication: Since glucocorticoids from the outside are the most common source for Cushing syndrome, using the smallest dose of glucocorticoids and for the short time, which is advisable under the supervision of a health service provider.

Genetic advice: For people with family history of pituitary tumors or adrenal anomalies, genetic advice can help identify people who need frequent surveillance. While the genetic predisposition exists, tumor formation cannot definitely be prevented. Read also | Why is Cortisol her frenem? Here you can find out how you can keep this stress hormone in chess

Note to the reader: This article is only for information purposes and no substitute for professional medical advice. Always look for your doctor's advice with questions about an illness.