Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperpigmentation
Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperpigmentation
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by abnormally high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body react to stress, regulate blood pressure, and metabolize food. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of our endocrine system and produce hormones that regulate our organs, tissues, and glands throughout the body. When cortisol levels are low the hypothalamus, a gland located in the lower portion of the brain, produces corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). This stimulates the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol, when high production of CRH and ACTH are diminished. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by many things including prolonged use of corticosteroids, such as anti-inflammatory medications, treatment with corticosteroids is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome and is referred to iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome can also be caused by a pituitary tumor that produces ACTH or overproduction of cortisol due an adrenal tumor or adrenal hyperplasia. . Cushing’s syndrome can affect anyone, according to the website Cushings’s
Support & Research Foundation it is most frequently seen in adults between the ages of 20 to 50 and is more common in women than men. Signs and symptoms associated with Cushing’s syndrome vary but frequently include obesity in the midsection with thinner arms and legs, a large rounded face, increased fat in the neck and shoulder area and fragile skin that bruises easily and heals slowly. Patients may have pinkish stretch mark looking streaks on their abdomen, thighs, and buttocks and muscle weakness. Symptoms may also include hyperpigmentation due to excess ACTH causing stimulation of melanocyte hormone production. Women may have excess hair on their face and chest and
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by abnormally high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body react to stress, regulate blood pressure, and metabolize food. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of our endocrine system and produce hormones that regulate our organs, tissues, and glands throughout the body. When cortisol levels are low the hypothalamus, a gland located in the lower portion of the brain, produces corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). This stimulates the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol, when high production of CRH and ACTH are diminished. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by many things including prolonged use of corticosteroids, such as anti-inflammatory medications, treatment with corticosteroids is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome and is referred to iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome can also be caused by a pituitary tumor that produces ACTH or overproduction of cortisol due an adrenal tumor or adrenal hyperplasia. . Cushing’s syndrome can affect anyone, according to the website Cushings’s
Support & Research Foundation it is most frequently seen in adults between the ages of 20 to 50 and is more common in women than men. Signs and symptoms associated with Cushing’s syndrome vary but frequently include obesity in the midsection with thinner arms and legs, a large rounded face, increased fat in the neck and shoulder area and fragile skin that bruises easily and heals slowly. Patients may have pinkish stretch mark looking streaks on their abdomen, thighs, and buttocks and muscle weakness. Symptoms may also include hyperpigmentation due to excess ACTH causing stimulation of melanocyte hormone production. Women may have excess hair on their face and chest and