Diagnosing Cushing syndrome
Learn about tests that measure cortisol levels and help with diagnosing Cushing syndrome.
What is Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism
It is a serious condition that occurs when your body produces too much cortisol over a long period of time. Hypercortisolism is the medical term for this condition.
What is cortisol?
You may have heard cortisol referred to as the “stress hormone.” It helps regulate several body functions, including:
Blood sugar levels
Metabolism
Blood pressure
Salt and water balance
Mood and memory
Immune system
Stress
Blood sugar levels
Blood pressure
Mood and memory
Stress
Metabolism
Salt and water balance
Immune system
Why is excess cortisol harmful to your body?
Your body has a natural rhythm when it comes to making cortisol.
More in the morning
Less at night
Persistent excess cortisol production disrupts the body’s natural rhythm, which can lead to a variety of health issues, like:
High blood sugar
High blood pressure
Depression
Weight gain
Learn more about the most common health issues associated with Cushing syndrome.
Types of Cushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome can be classified based on the source of excess cortisol:
Endogenous Cushing syndrome is when the source of excess cortisol is inside your body, often from a tumor (or nodule)
Exogenous Cushing syndrome is when the source of excess cortisol is outside your body, often from a medication containing steroids, such as prednisone
