A disorder where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition caused by too much of a hormone called cortisol in the body, leading to mental and physical changes.
Normally, cortisol plays a role in managing our stress response, maintaining blood pressure, managing the immune system, and in energy metabolism. Cushing’s disease is caused by an excess of cortisol either from external or internal sources. It is more common for patient’s with Cushing’s to have the excess cortisol come from an external source such as a cortisol-like medication (ex. prednisone). This type of Cushing’s is temporary and will go away once the medication is stopped. Patient’s may also develop Cushing’s when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This type of Cushing’s is most commonly caused by a hormone-secreting tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland.