Cortisol Production and Cushing's Hormone Disorder

Cushing's syndrome is a medical disorder caused by hormonal dysfunction specifically chronic exposure of the tissues in the body to high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is known for depositing fat in certain areas such as the belly. Hypercortisolism is rare and usually affects people between 20 to 50 years of age.

Frequent symptoms caused by hypercortisolism and Cushing's syndrome are:

Weight gain particularly in the abdomen
Round and full face, commonly referred to as moon face
Backache, which may be attributed to carrying the excess weight in front
Headaches
Excessive skin infections
Fatigue and weakness
Fat collection between shoulders, commonly referred as a buffalo hump
Stretch marks or purple streaks on the skin such as thighs, breasts and abdomen
Thirst and increased urination
Cessation of menstrual cycle

Some people who take steroids such as Prednisone over a long period time develop Cushing's syndrome, while some people develop Cushing's because of an increased amount of cortisol being produced in their bodies.

Cortisol production starts by the hypothalamus sending a corticotropin releasing hormone to the pituitary gland, then the pituitary gland releases another hormone called a adrenocorticotropin hormone which activates the adrenal glands and then they release the hormone cortisol into the blood. If the amount of cortisol hormone in the bloodstream is already normal the hypothalamus and pituitary can release very little of their hormones, which in turn makes sure that the cortisol that is produced by the adrenals is just enough to meet the needs of the body and not too large of an amount.

A tumor in the pituitary gland is the number one cause for Cushing's syndrome. Adrenal tumors are called adrenal adenomas and are normally benign. Cancerous tumors of the adrenal glands is less common.

Some tumors can happen outside of the pituitary gland which can produce ACTH. This disorder is called ectopic ACTH syndrome, tumors causing this disorder can be benign or malignant.

Although most cases of the disorder known as Cushing's is not inherited, some people who have inherited disorders such as increased risks for endocrine tumors may be predisposed to develop Cushing's syndrome.

Diagnosing Cushing's is done by examining the patient's complete medical history, lab reports and physical examination. X-rays of the patient's glands such as adrenal can be helpful with revealing and diagnosing any tumors.

Cushing's syndrome also can be contributed and associated with Cushing's such as polycystic ovarian disease, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Treatment for Cushing's depends on the reason that caused the disorder and may include everything from removal of tumors to cortisol medications to inhibit the production of the hormone. If the cause of Cushing's is attributed to over-usage of steroids such as Prednisone, reduction of the medication may be enough to control the Cushing's disorder.

References for this article include: endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm
www.mayoclinic.com/health/cushings-syndrome/DS00470/DSECTION=symptoms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing's_syndrome