How does the Cushing’s Syndrome occur? We can face such a consequence because of the excessive increase in the level of glucocorticoid hormone (cortisol). Whether we are always unable to sleep at night or our body weight has increased dramatically and we are not losing it despite exercising a lot, we often identify the reasons as our lifestyle and stress, but there is another reason. The cortisol hormone that increases our stress also puts us at risk for chronic problems and diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Cortisol working and its importance
The adrenal glands produce glucocorticoids(cortisol). Hormones travel through our bloodstream. They are chemical messengers in our bodies that carry out important functions. The most important of these is cortisol. This cortisol is produced by the small adrenal glands located above our kidneys. Cushing’s syndrome diseases occur when the level of this hormone called glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol) increases above its normal level. The production of these glucocorticoids depends on two-stage hormone stimulation. Firstly ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) which orchestrates in the pituitary gland stimulates the production of glucocorticoids and further ACTH is stimulated by another hormone hypothalamus.
When our bodies are under too much stress, glucocorticoids(cortisol) start to function to defend our bodies. In our body’s protective function, this cholesterol is produced in excess or in small amounts, which can cause slight irregularities in our metabolic regulation. Thus, our proteins and lipids are subjected to degradation and an increase in blood sugar. In addition, it also decreases immunosuppressive and the related to their anti-inflammatory system of the immune system, thereby increasing the water retention in our body.
Causing of Cushing’s Syndrome
This caching syndrome is a syndrome that causes increasing levels of glucocorticoids(cortisol) in the blood, which causes by a variety of factors.
The most common mechanical cause for Cushing’s disease is a small blockage in the pituitary gland (pituitary microadenoma), which causes excessive production of ACTH, which in turn stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids which relates to adrenal glands. During this time, the changes caused by this disease begin in the hypothalamus, which disturbs hypophysis and releases large amounts of ACTH. This is Endogenous (Internal) Cushing’s Syndrome.
Other common reasons for the increase in ACTH by the other frequent causes of this condition pheochromocytomas, carcinoid tumor, lung cancer, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and tumor of the thymus, ovary, and pancreas.
The final factor in the development of Cushing’s disease is that it is of If the adrenal glands which are which is located in the endogenous origin, develop tumors, which will cause excessive production of glucocorticoids.
Exogenous (External) Cushing’s Syndrome causes by the Long-term use of steroid medications (such as prednisone) to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, to prevent transplant rejection, and lupus or long-term use can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. This is because steroids mimic cortisol.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome
- Due to the excess fat accumulation in our small intestine stomach area, we get a kind of obesity. The back of our neck also forms a hump due to fat. We have very thin limbs and in some cases, some muscle significant muscle atrophy is the main cause.
- Women often experience hair loss, and men may also experience hair loss. Although there are also signs of virilization in menstrual disorders, it is more common in women.
- Fragile capillaries, acne, and acne are often with frequent injuries and skin changes or lesions such as wine-red stretch marks, mainly on the abdomen.
- Loss of bone mass may very poor wound healing, and the effects of corticosteroids may also accelerate osteoporosis.
- Increased blood sugar manifests itself in the form of glucose intolerance, often due to the effect of glucocorticoids on carbohydrate metabolism
- There is often a tendency to retain fluids and salt, in addition, to the weak mineralocorticoid effect of glucocorticoids, which can cause high blood pressure.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests can be performed to determine the source of the syndrome. Including, measuring cortisol in the urine for 30 hours and collecting data. whether it is impossible to suppress its secretion by administering dexamethasone.
ACTH is high and in cases where the adrenal glands are involves directly , ACTH is low. Measuring ACTH levels is especially important in cases of Cushing’s due to high ACTH.
CT of the abdomen and chest is useful to evaluate the adrenal glands. And also, assess the presence of a tumor at that level. Such as, Imaging techniques, especially magnetic resonance imaging, also allow us to see pituitary tumors that cause the syndrome and to check for other tumors located in other parts of the body that can produce ACTH. Octreotide mammography helps to detect ACTH-producing tumors that have spread throughout the body.
Cushing’s Syndrome Managed and its Treatment Options
The treatment of this disease depends on the severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis. If it is any other cancer or tumor, then surgery is mandatory. If this disease comes to us through meditation or steroid medication, the dosage will gradually reduce.
To control this disease, we need to change our lifestyle and ensure that our diet includes more fresh vegetables. We should ensure that the amount of salt in our food is low. And also, should regularly consume foods containing vitamins like Vitamin D and B12 to help maintain effects of excess cortisol
It is not possible to completely cure this disease, but we can reduce its severity by making lifestyle changes. We need to take steroids for our disease carefully. Take them in the right dosage and do not stop them without doctor’s advice. Should not stop these steroids suddenly because it can lead to serious complications for other diseases.
If infection in someone in our family members like pituitary and adrenal gland tumors. Hence, should get the related tests done in advance to prevent the disease from developing.
We should stop smoking and drinking alcohol because these can further disrupt our hormones and overall health. It is very important to understand that the disease called Coaching Center can be fatal. In Case, if we do not diagnose and treat it. So, early detection, and make proper management and lifestyle changes to improve our quality of life. If we are experiencing frequent weight gain or spikes in our blood pressure. In most cases, it is a good idea to consult an endocrinologist and seek their advice.
