What is Cushings?
Cushing’s is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called “hypercortisolism,” it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year. Your adrenal glands, which are right above your kidneys, release cortisol when they receive a chemical message from your pituitary gland. The message comes in the form of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which travels through the bloodstream. Cushing’s Disease: Is the result of a pituitary tumor which causes the emergence of secondary male characteristics (like hair growth, acne, etc.), and ovarian failure. Other symptoms usually include high blood pressure and water retention. Cushing’s Syndrome: Causes the same symptoms, but is a disorder marked by overproduction of adrenal hormones, which can cause a drop in LH and FSH.
