Cushing's Disease

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Other names for Cushing's Disease

Pituitary Cushing's Syndrome
Hypercortisolism (Pituitary-Origin)
ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Tumor
Endogenous Cushing’s

Synopsis of Cushing's Disease

Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder caused by a pituitary adenoma (a usually benign tumor) that secretes excess amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This overstimulation leads the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol, the primary stress hormone, resulting in chronic hypercortisolism.

Cortisol is essential for regulating metabolism, blood sugar, immune function, and stress responses. However, when levels are excessively high over time, it leads to characteristic symptoms such as rapid weight gain (especially in the trunk and face), thinning skin, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and psychological changes.

Cushing’s disease is a subset of Cushing’s syndrome, which refers more broadly to any cause of high cortisol (whether from internal tumors or external steroid use).

Types of Cushing’s Disease (Classified by Tumor Features):

  • Microadenoma: Tumor smaller than 10mm; most common form.

  • Macroadenoma: Tumor larger than 10mm; may cause additional neurological symptoms (headaches, vision problems).

Common Causes:

  • Pituitary adenoma producing excess ACTH

  • Rarely, ACTH-producing tumors outside the pituitary (ectopic ACTH syndrome, which is technically not "Cushing’s disease" but part of Cushing’s syndrome)

Severity Factors:

  • Prolonged cortisol excess damages multiple systems: cardiovascular, metabolic, skeletal, and psychiatric.

  • Risk of serious complications like diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, infections, and mood disorders.

  • Larger tumors may exert pressure on nearby brain structures.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Rapid, unexplained weight gain, especially in the upper body

  • Rounding of the face ("moon face")

  • Thin skin that bruises easily

  • Purple stretch marks (striae) on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, or arms

  • Severe fatigue, depression, anxiety, or irritability

  • High blood pressure and blood sugar readings

  • Decreased libido or fertility issues

  • Muscle weakness, especially in the thighs and shoulders

  • New or worsening headaches and vision problems (suggestive of macroadenoma)

Natural remedies for Cushing's Disease

Blood sugar management: Through low-glycemic, whole-food diets.

Stress reduction techniques: Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to minimize additional cortisol spikes.

Anti-inflammatory diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

Moderate exercise: Gentle activity like walking or stretching to maintain muscle mass and support circulation (as tolerated).

Support liver function: Helps metabolize excess hormones through a clean diet.

Sleep hygiene: Essential to rebalance hormonal rhythms.