Cushing’s syndrome is not only limited to physical symptoms, but can also have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Cushing’s syndrome is known to be a treatable condition. After Cushing’s treatment, it is possible to see an improvement in the symptoms experienced by the patient. However, at this point, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important. Early diagnosis is extremely necessary to improve the quality of life of Cushing’s patients and prevent potential complications.
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
The cortisol hormone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone, called cortisol, regulates the function of the body’s immune system, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure in response to stress. Cushing’s syndrome also occurs as a result of the human body producing excessive amounts of the cortisol hormone. Cushing syndrome can occur in 2 main ways:
- People who use cortisol-containing medications for a long time may experience Cushing’s syndrome.
- If the person’s body produces too much cortisol hormone on its own, Cushing’s syndrome may occur again.
Cushing’s syndrome can be diagnosed using blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests.
What are the symptoms of Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome symptoms can take many forms. Patients generally cope with excessive weight gain, especially the fat in the abdominal area becomes evident and the fullness in the face increases. In addition, symptoms such as thinning of the arms and legs, purple spots on the skin, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and purple cracks on the skin may also be observed.
In addition to the physical effects of Cushing syndrome, patients generally struggle with psychological symptoms. However, anxiety, depression, memory problems and insomnia are among the common accompanying features of this condition called Cushing’s syndrome. “What are the symptoms of Cushing’s?” In order to give a descriptive answer to the question, it is possible to list the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome as follows:
- Weight gain (especially in the trunk area)
- rounding of the face
- Darkening of the skin
- Skin thinning and wrinkles
- Hair loss
- muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Sleeping disorders
- high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis (Bone melting)
How is Cushing’s syndrome treated?
Treatment for Cushing syndrome begins with identifying the underlying cause and targeting that underlying cause. Treatment options for Cushing syndrome generally vary depending on the cause of the syndrome. Treatment options in Cushing syndrome may require a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment of Cushing’s syndrome focuses on reducing or blocking cortisol production. Treatment options for Cushing syndrome include:
- Medicines that reduce or block cortisol production are used.
- If the cause of the disease is tumors in 2 adrenal glands and other treatment options have failed, removal of both adrenal glands may be considered.
- If the tumor cannot be removed surgically or surgery is not recommended, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) can be applied.
- If Cushing’s syndrome occurs due to tumors in the adrenal glands or pituitary gland, surgical intervention may be considered.
