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Serious severity
· Endocrinology
Cushing's Syndrome
Excess cortisol · Steroid effect
Too much cortisol — usually from long-term steroid use or a tumor — reshapes the body, raises sugar and BP and thins bones.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Rare but under-diagnosed
- Typical age
- Adults 30–50
- Outlook
- Treatable if cause is found
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Endocrinology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Long-term oral or injectable steroids
- Pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease)
- Adrenal tumor
- Ectopic ACTH from lung cancer
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Round 'moon' face
- Hump on upper back
- Purple stretch marks on belly
- Easy bruising, thin skin
- High BP and sugar
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Taper steroids slowly under guidance
- Surgery for pituitary or adrenal tumor
- Cortisol-blocking drugs
- Treat osteoporosis, diabetes, BP
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Use lowest steroid dose possible
- Take inhaled over oral steroids when possible
- Annual review if on long-term steroids
Do’s
- Carry a steroid card
- Taper steroids under doctor
- Treat secondary conditions actively
Don’ts
- Stop steroids abruptly — risk crisis
- Self-buy steroid creams long-term
- Ignore unusual bruising
- Skip bone density scans
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all endocrinology doctors Top 4 doctors for Cushing's Syndrome
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RS
2
2
BS
3
3
PP
4
4
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.