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What is Cushing's syndrome and what causes it?

What is Cushing's syndrome and what causes it?

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can affect people of any age and gender but is more common in adults. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the use of glucocorticoid medications. Other causes include tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands, which produce cortisol, and rarely, tumors elsewhere in the body that produce hormones that act like cortisol. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can include weight gain, particularly in the face, neck, and torso; thinning of the arms and legs; purple or pink stretch marks on the skin; fatigue; high blood pressure; high blood sugar; and bone loss. Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the underlying cause and may include surgery, radiation, and medications.