Endocrine System I | Page 13

Thyroid Cancer

Crushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long time. Cushing syndrome, sometimes called hypercortisolism, may be caused by the use of oral corticosteroid medication. The condition can also occur when your body makes too much cortisol on its own.

Too much cortisol can produce some of the hallmark signs of Cushing syndrome — a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome can vary depending on the levels of excess cortisol.

Common signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome:

Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back, in the face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump)

Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms

Acne

Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections

Acne

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