{"id":3274,"date":"2019-01-24T04:59:59","date_gmt":"2019-01-24T04:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3274"},"modified":"2021-05-03T13:29:01","modified_gmt":"2021-05-03T13:29:01","slug":"20-cushings-disease-symptoms-in-men-and-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/20-cushings-disease-symptoms-in-men-and-women\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Cushing’s Disease Symptoms in Men and Women"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Approximately 3 million people are diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome every year. It is a serious but treatable condition that is characterized by excessive levels of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adrenal gland is a triangularly shaped organ that is located above the kidney. It is a part of the fight or flight instinct that we all have. Cortisol plays a major role in the normal functioning of the body. For instance, it works with the brain to regulate an individual\u2019s mood, motivation, and fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, when left untreated Cushing\u2019s disease can be fatal as the disease eventually progresses. It is important to get treatment as soon as you start to notice something. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to know the signs and symptoms that you or a loved one may indeed be suffering from such a condition. Here are the eight common symptoms of Cushing\u2019s disease in men and women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Progressive Weight Gain
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Weight gain particularly around the midsection in both men and women is the most common indicator of Cushing\u2019s disease. Weight gain is a key symptom because excessive cortisol results in fat being redistributed in areas of the body especially in the stomach, chest and the face which is why patients often have a round moon-shaped face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be difficult for individuals suffering from s form of Cushing\u2019s disease to lose weight because the increased cortisol content metabolizes carbohydrates<\/a>, fats and stores it for refueling even when the body doesn\u2019t require it. As a result, blood sugar levels spike resulting in insulin release which can increase an individual\u2019s appetite greatly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, body fat just accumulates in various parts of the body which ultimately leads to obesity. When the body can\u2019t properly metabolize food it won\u2019t convert into muscle, energy or waste. This is also the main reason why dieting doesn\u2019t work in people with Cushing\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Skin Abnormalities
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People suffering from Cushing\u2019s disease have increased susceptibility to skin <\/a>complications. The cortisol breaks down many of the proteins available in the skin. In fact, underlying mucous membranes become so dry that the skin becomes paper-thin that it takes on a shiny appearance making it vulnerable to bruising and tearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals experience dark spots, particularly on the neck. Wide purple and red streaks that span along the sides of the torso, the lower abdomen, arms and in other areas of weight gain is common. In some instances, the patient may experience hemorrhaging due to the weakened state of the skin. Bruised, scratched and torn skin can be difficult to heal in such individuals.
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The likelihood of contracting a skin infection is high in people with Cushing’s disease. It’s also easy for patients of all ages to develop facial and body. In some instances, fungal infections along the body may be present as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Psychiatric Changes
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According to experts, psychiatric symptoms are one of the biggest indications of Cushing disease. In both male and female patients<\/a> changed in mental health were commonly reported. Psychiatric symptoms can include:
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Anxiety
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Sleeping problems
Memory loss
Mood swings
Abnormal emotional reactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated cortisol levels cause chemical changes in the brain that can manifest as depression or cause extreme emotional responses that may be inappropriate such as laughing or crying without a reason. Studies have revealed that ninety percent of Cushing\u2019s patients experience recurring bouts of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the depression can be contributed to the feeling of tiredness on a regular basis or due to the fact that the patient has a serious and impairing illness. Extreme anxiety and panic are also shockingly prevalent amongst people with Cushing\u2019s disease. The raised level of Cortisol keeps the body in the flight or fight mode which is a reason why patients feel a sense of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Fragile Bones
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You\u2019ll find that people with Cushing\u2019s disease have fragile bones due to decreased bone density. What many people don\u2019t know is that Cortisol tends to trigger bone mineral reabsorption. During this process, the bones are broken down into minerals such as calcium <\/a>and released into the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In individuals with Cushing\u2019s disease, this bone reabsorption process is meant to encourage bone growth and strength to take place through gluconeogenesis. This can impair bone formation. Yes, in Cushing\u2019s disease the bone absorption and the formation process doesn\u2019t happen as it should in a healthy body. This leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium and everyone knows that calcium is imperative for developing strong and healthy bones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also decreases bone cell growth. Elevated cortisol levels can directly inhibit bone formation. This is why it\u2019s common for people with Cushing\u2019s disease to also be diagnosed with osteoporosis. Fragile bones will leave one susceptible to fractures which can be very harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In individuals with Cushing\u2019s disease, this bone reabsorption process is meant to encourage bone growth and strength to take place through gluconeogenesis. This can impair bone formation. Yes, in Cushing\u2019s disease the bone absorption and the formation process doesn\u2019t happen as it should in a healthy body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium and everyone knows that calcium is imperative for developing strong and healthy bones. It also decreases bone cell growth. Elevated cortisol levels can directly inhibit bone formation. This is why it\u2019s common for people with Cushing\u2019s disease to also be diagnosed with osteoporosis. Fragile bones will leave one susceptible to fractures which can be very harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Muscular Degradation
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Just like Cushing\u2019s disease can make the bones weaker, when left untreated for a long prolonged period of time the muscles <\/a>in the arms, legs, and hips will become weaker. The overproduction of cortisol releases amino acids that are stored in muscle tissue. This leaves muscle tissue in weakens the structure of the muscle tissue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscular weakness is another well-known sign of Cushing\u2019s syndrome. In addition, to muscle atrophy, this can be contributed to the break down of proteins. Studies have revealed that it\u2019s typically the proximal muscles that tend to experience deterioration. These muscles consist of the lower limbs such as the muscles in the legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. High Blood Pressure
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Individuals with Cushing\u2019s disease are more likely to develop high blood pressure<\/a> which can put one at risk for cultivating a cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between elevated cortisol levels and hypertension which is why it has been reported that eighty percent of patients with Cushing’s disease are also diagnosed with high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cortisol plays a role in helping regulate blood pressure and keeping it at a healthy level. However, excess cortisol raises will no doubt raise one\u2019s blood pressure. Sometimes even after a patient undergoes a surgical procedure to reduce cortisol levels they are still at risk of hypertension. There are many factors at play that can lead to an individual with Cushing\u2019s disease developing high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some instances, the patient has a family history of hypertension or has previously battled with this disease. Treating hypertension in such patients isn\u2019t clear-cut and typically requires prolonged therapy to see improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes even after a patient undergoes a surgical procedure to reduce cortisol levels they are still at risk of hypertension. There are many factors at play that can lead to an individual with Cushing\u2019s disease developing high blood pressure. In some instances, the patient has a family history of hypertension or has previously battled with this disease. Treating hypertension in such patients isn\u2019t clear-cut and typically requires prolonged therapy to see improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Blood Sugar Imbalance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the body is in stress <\/a>mode, cortisol tends to feed the body with glucose taken from the protein that is being stored in the gluconeogenesis which resides in the liver. This is the energy that helps the individual either fight or flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when cortisol levels remain elevated over a period of time it leads to increased blood sugar levels. Therefore, a person displaying symptoms of Cushing\u2019s disease will experience symptoms related to diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Cushing\u2019s disease often leads to the development of type 2 diabetes. Cortisol is a hormone that thwarts the effects of insulin which in turn makes the cells insulin resistant. As a result, the pancreas has a tough time secreting enough insulin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes difficult to get the blood cells the insulin they need. An estimated sixty to seventy percent of individuals with Cushing\u2019s disease developed impaired glucose tolerance. Recovery from the syndrome almost always makes diabetes easier to manage and in some cases, it completely goes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Abnormal Hair Growth and Loss
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Cushing\u2019s syndrome<\/a> affects the body in many different ways. It can cause abnormal hair changes in both men and women. For women, one of the telltale signs that something is wrong is recurring hair growth on the face and other areas of the body that men typically grow hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be alarming especially if you\u2019ve never had a problem with hair growth in these areas. Hair growth might be observed on the neck, chest and may even grow in thick. For both men and women, the look and consistency of your hair can even begin to alter. Perhaps you notice that your hair has become really brittle, dry and breaks off easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for people with Cushing\u2019s disease to experience extreme hair loss and balding. Believe it or not, a person\u2019s hair can be a representation of they’re current health because our hair is affected by hormone levels and imbalances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most straightforward and obvious results of having too much cortisol <\/a>in your system is that it can lead to elevated levels of stress. This follows, considering that cortisol is the \u2018stress hormone\u2019 and that it is at least partly responsible for making us feel a sense of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a mistake to think of stress as being a purely negative thing. In fact, small amounts of stress and cortisol are absolutely required in order to help us become more awake, engaged, and motivated. When present in smaller amounts, stress is referred to as \u2018eustress\u2019, meaning that it is a positive type of stress that encourages us to stop relaxing and write that essay\/tidy the house\/finish that project for the boss. Cortisol even helps us to wake up in the morning by making the brain more active. But at the same time, too much cortisol can also lead to anxiety and stress which can be very difficult to live with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Shaking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shaking is commonly associated with stress and excess levels of cortisol. The reason for this is that an increase in one type of neurotransmitter <\/a>will inevitably have knock-on effects throughout the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increase cortisol, and you increase one of the primary excitatory neurotransmitters \u2013 a chemical responsible for increasing the activity levels in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you increase activity in the brain though, the body will wake up and take notice. Spotting all of this increased activity, it will then assume that something very important is happening that demands its attention. That, in turn, causes the release of other excitatory neurotransmitters to further increase your focus and attention. Those include the likes of norepinephrine\/adrenaline \u2013 the fight or flight hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more of these chemicals being produced, the body them ramps up its stress response which can result in all kinds of things \u2013 including tension in the muscles and a shaking of the hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Difficulty Sleeping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cortisol is absolutely destructive when it comes to sleep. That\u2019s because cortisol is the antithesis of the sleep hormone melatonin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have heard for instance that you should always try to avoid bright lights and computer screens right before bed. That\u2019s because these screens simulate the production of cortisol, and that cortisol immediately reduces the effectiveness of the melatonin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, you will find that elevated levels of cortisol mean that your baseline level of brain activity makes it incredibly difficult to sleep and that you lie awake with racing thoughts and possibly even an elevated heart rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unfortunate irony is that the more you try to sleep and the more pressure you place on yourself to go to sleep, the more difficult it can become. There are many other causes of difficulty sleeping, of course, so keep this in mind when trying to identify what might be responsible for your difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Elevated Heart Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An elevated heart <\/a>rate is another by-product of elevating the general levels of stress and activity throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, increasing cortisol results in the accompanying increase in adrenaline, which triggers the fight or flight response. The body believes that something is wrong and that it must provide you with the ability to run from danger, fight, or quickly seek out food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of this response involves the elevation of the heart rate. Here, the body increases the heart rate in order to deliver more blood and oxygen to the muscles and the brain, thereby allowing you to think faster, punch harder, and generally perform optimally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when stress becomes chronic or when cortisol levels are incorrectly elevated, this can lead to a situation where your heart rate remains constantly high, without offering you any tangible benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Muscle Wasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It might come as a surprise to learn that high levels of cortisol can also lead to weakness and the wasting of muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few reasons that this process occurs. Firstly, cortisol actually reduces the production of testosterone. The more cortisol you have in your system, the lower the amount of testosterone you are likely to have. Of course, testosterone is what is often referred to as the \u2018male hormone\u2019 and is responsible for the differences between men and women when it comes to physical strength. Without it, it is common for the muscles to become weaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, increasing cortisol also causes an increase in another neurotransmitter\/hormone known as myostatin. The job of myostatin is to encourage the body to break down muscle and to thereby conserve energy. This can, in turn, result in a much weaker looking physique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that low testosterone also has a number of other symptoms in both men and women \u2013 including a decreased sex drive and potential impotence<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The link between cortisol and bowel movements is much more complex than you might at first realize \u2013 much like the link between cortisol and appetite<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of bowel movements, cortisol can effectively suppress the activity of the bowels and particularly of bowel movements. It does this because in the wild \u2013 where the fight or flight response would have meant we were running away from predation or getting into a fight \u2013 we wouldn\u2019t have wanted to have had to stop to go to the toilet while in a life-or-death situation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases then, cortisol may cause constipation. At the same time though, it can also have the opposite effect and cause you to empty your bowels. While it is not fully understood, it is generally thought that cortisol\/stress and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are also closely linked together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Buffalo Hump<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cushing\u2019s disease can cause general \u2018all-over weight gain\u2019 but it can also be responsible for specific deposits of fat<\/a>. This is due to the way that hormones will normally regulate not only the use of energy and fat around the body but also the order in which fat is burned \u2013 this is why some people will have different natural body shapes than others, even with their amount of fat being equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of Cushing\u2019s disease, those fat deposits appear around the midsection, around the face, and between the shoulders. It\u2019s this latter position that can lead to the appearance of a kind of lump, which is sometimes referred to as the \u2018buffalo hump\u2019. Likewise, the face can also take on a very round and somewhat moon-like appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Thinning Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cortisol can cause the skin to get thinner as a result of numerous hormonal changes in the body, and this can then also lead o easier bruising and slower healing. Therefore, if you notice that you have the appearance of unexplained bruises around your body, then Cushing\u2019s disease is one possible explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are actually a number of different potential causes for increased bruising \u2013 including a lack of clotting agents which can cause the blood <\/a>to continue bleeding after an injury. This can potentially lead to dangerous situations, so it is very important that you get any unusual bruising checked out \u2013 whatever it might turn out to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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17. Headache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A headache <\/a>can be a common symptom of high cortisol as well. This occurs as a result of numerous different factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one, the stress that is caused by cortisol can cause muscle tightness. Muscle tension around the head, in particular, can lead to what is known as tension headaches, which can sometimes be relieved by gently massaging the area. This can help the muscles to release tension and relax, thereby easing the pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, you might find that you have a headache due to the heightened activity in the brain \u2013 which is a result of the high levels of <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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18. Indigestion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already mentioned that there are some connections between cortisol and the digestive tract. This also applies to the stomach, where digestion <\/a>may become slower as a result of cortisol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember: cortisol is a stress hormone and it encourages the production of other <\/em>stress hormones. All of these have the job (among other things) of directing more blood flow to the muscles and the brain, which they achieve by directing that same blood flow away <\/em>from organs and processes that are less urgent. This includes digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why if you are very stressed, you feel butterflies! It\u2019s also why having elevated levels of cortisol for an extended period of time can lead to an increased likelihood of indigestion, acid reflux, and general discomfort in that area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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19. Increased Thirst and Urination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Increased thirst and urination occur as a result of high cortisol for much the same reason as they do when you drink alcohol<\/a>, or when you have diabetes. In both cases, you have something in your system that your body is identifying as a toxin. Its job then is to try and drive that toxin out, and to increase blood flow in order to accomplish this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way it does this is to increase urination so that you are constantly flushing the system. However, this can then also lead to increased thirst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to consider is that cortisol will generally elevate your metabolism so that you are burning more energy and creating more heat at the same time. When you do this, you will find that your body then also reduces fluids and liquids more quickly, so that you are more likely to feel very thirsty. While it could be a number of different things, you should definitely always get increased urination checked out at the doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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20. Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depression <\/a>is one of the most common symptoms of Cushing\u2019s disease and the link here is very clear. Not only is depression linked with stress \u2013 so that high levels of stress will cause you to feel exhausted and emotionally fatigued (not to mention potentially leading to adrenal fatigue) but also in that it might reduce levels of other key neurotransmitters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, in this case, we are talking about serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that is responsible for making us feel good about ourselves. On top of that, it is also a natural painkiller, a satiety hormone, and a chemical that has countless other important roles in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as you might already have guessed, cortisol works as a serotonin agonist \u2013 meaning that it will reduce the amount of serotonin in your system simply by existing. This, therefore, means that you might find yourself feeling sad, exhausted, painful, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also why one of the primary ways to treat depression is by increasing the amount of serotonin in the system, which can be done with numerous different medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see then, this condition can affect pretty much everything from your mood to your weight gain \u2013 you need to address it quickly.
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