Cushing's background

Originally described by Harvey Cushing in 1932, Cushing's Syndrome is a relatively rare but serious condition caused by the prolonged exposure to the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced and released by the adrenal glands. It is required for normal health and plays an important role in the body's response to stress. However, overexposure and/or overproduction of cortisol can lead to illness.

Some of the complications of Cushing's Syndrome include:

• weight gain
• depression and other mood changes
• skin conditions (purple stretch marks [striae], acne, abnormal hair growth in women, thin skin, and bruising)
• high blood pressure
• thinning bones

If left untreated, Cushing's Syndrome can lead to obesity, diabetes (high blood sugar), muscle wasting, and osteoporosis.

Excess cortisol can come from sources within the body or from outside the body. When abnormally high levels of cortisol are produced by the body, Cushing's Syndrome is said to be "endogenous".