Cushing's Syndrome Specialists in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

What is Cushing's Syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder that results from prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to excessive levels of the hormone cortisol, which normally helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and the body's stress response. Excess cortisol can arise from the body's own overproduction, most often due to a tumour of the pituitary gland that drives excessive cortisol production from the adrenal glands, or from long-term use of corticosteroid medications prescribed for other conditions, which is actually the most common overall cause. Chronic cortisol excess produces a distinctive pattern of physical changes, including central weight gain, thinning skin, and muscle weakness, alongside significant risks including elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and bone loss if the condition remains untreated. Diagnosis can be challenging since some features overlap with more common conditions, often requiring specific hormone testing and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying source. Treatment aims to normalise cortisol levels by addressing the specific underlying cause, which often leads to significant improvement in symptoms.

Causes of Cushing's Syndrome

Most commonly caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications prescribed for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune disease, which supplies the body with more cortisol-like hormone than it needs. When arising from the body's own hormone production, the most common cause is a pituitary tumour that stimulates excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands, though tumours of the adrenal glands themselves or other locations can also cause the condition. Obesity, alcohol use disorder, and severe depression can sometimes cause mild cortisol elevation that mimics but is distinct from true Cushing's syndrome.

Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

Weight gain particularly around the face, neck, and abdomen, thinning and easily bruised skin, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, fatigue, irregular menstrual periods, mood changes including anxiety or depression

Treatment & Types of Cushing's Syndrome in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Treatment for corticosteroid-induced Cushing's syndrome involves gradually reducing the medication dose under medical supervision to the lowest effective level while managing the original condition it was treating. Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary or adrenal tumour is typically treated with surgical removal of the tumour, which often resolves the excess cortisol production. Medications that reduce cortisol production or block its effects may be used when surgery is not possible or as a bridge to definitive treatment, alongside management of related complications such as diabetes and hypertension.

Endocrinology & Diabetology Specialists in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (1)

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