Cortisol is a hormone , a chemical that regulates body function. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney. Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar levels and the responses to infection and stress. Cortisol production is increased by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) released from the pituitary gland in the brain. Hypercortisolemia (cortisol overproduction) causes Cushing syndrome , most often when a pituitary adenoma (a benign tumor) produces an excess of ACTH, resulting in Cushing disease . It also results when an adenoma of the adrenal gland produces too much cortisol. Both Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease affect women more often than men. Rarely, hypercortisolemia is produced by a tumor outside the pituitary or adrenal glands; for example, by a lung cancer that releases ACTH. This is called ectopic Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome can develop as part of genetic diseases that run in families (such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 ). Prolonged treatment with glucocorticoids, which are cortisol-like drugs, can result in iatrogenic Cushing syndrome.
Grahic Jump Location
Weight gain, typically with a round face and a hump on the upper back, but often normal arms and legs
Stretch marks on thighs and abdomen
Easy bruising
Hirsutism in women (excessive hair on face, abdomen, and legs)
Irregular menstrual periods in women; sexual difficulties in men
Severe fatigue, weak muscles, and easy fractures of bones
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Infections
Anxiety, irritability, and depression
Decreased ability to concentrate and reduced memory
The diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is suggested by characteristic body changes, hypertension, and diabetes. It is confirmed by a high cortisol level in urine or saliva or by blood or urine tests measuring the response to dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid. As the next step, the cause of high cortisol is determined by additional blood studies and imaging studies (MRI or CT) of the abdomen or pituitary gland.
If a pituitary adenoma is the source of Cushing disease, it is removed through an incision inside a nostril or under the lip. This is done using microneurosurgical techniques with small instruments and a microscope or using a fiberoptic technique with a tiny tube with a camera. These techniques can remove pituitary adenomas smaller than half an inch in diameter. If Cushing disease cannot be controlled by surgery, radiation can be used or the adrenal glands may be removed through the side of the abdomen (adrenalectomy). When an adrenal adenoma produces Cushing syndrome, it is removed by adrenalectomy. However, if surgery is not possible, medications are used to block cortisol production and control hypertension and diabetes. In extremely severe cases of Cushing syndrome, if no source is found, both adrenal glands may be removed and the patient placed on lifelong hormone medications.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm
US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000410.htm
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA 's Web site at www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on hypothyroidism was published in the December 10, 2003, issue and one on hyperthyroidism was published in the July 6, 2005, issue.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Topic: ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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