Signs & Symptoms
This rounded facial appearance is a classic sign of Cushing’s syndrome.
Moon Face
Patients with Cushing’s should regularly monitor this because cortisol raises it.
Glucose
this 24 hour test reveals elevated cortisol levels over a full day
24 hour urine cortisol test
Excess of this hormone is the root cause of Cushing’s syndrome.
cortisol
Patients may develop this bone-related complication leading to fractures.
Osteoporosis
This fat pad develops on the upper back due to cortisol excess.
buffalo hump
This exercise is recommended to reduce fracture risk and fatigue
low impact exercise
This specific night-time test is a sensitive indicator for cortisol excess.
nighttime salivary cortisol test
The syndrome can be caused by long-term use of these medications.
corticosteroids
High cortisol suppresses this system, increasing infection risk.
Immune system
These long, purple skin lines often appear on the abdomen due to collagen breakdown.
Purple striae (stretch marks)
a high calcium & high protein diet helps prevent what cortisol related complications?
bone loss and muscle wasting
This blood test is elevated because cortisol opposes insulin.
serum blood glucose
Cushing’s disease specifically refers to overproduction of ACTH from this gland
Pituitary gland
Blood pressure goes up in Cushing’s because cortisol boosts the effect of these stress hormones
adrenaline & noradrenaline
This key sign of Cushing’s involves unusual body proportions
Round belly + Thin limbs
What lifestyle change can reduce cardiovascular risk & strain on joints?
weight management
This hormone may be high or low, depending on the cause of Cushing’s (pituitary vs adrenal).
ACTH
Cortisol causes fluid retention by acting like this other mineralocorticoid.
aldosterone
This metabolic disorder may develop due to chronic hyperglycemia.
Diabetes Mellitus
why do patients with Cushing’s bruise easily
cortisol causes increased capillary fragility
a metabolic problem that occurs in Cushing's if a patient consumes too many carbs
Hyperglycemia + Insulin resistance
Repeatedly high results on this blood test confirm hypercortisolism.
serum cortisol
Muscles weaken in Cushing’s because cortisol increases the breakdown of this.
Protein
If untreated, Cushing’s syndrome increases the risk for this type of cardiovascular event
Heart attack
Stroke