If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while — maybe more tired than usual, gaining weight without a clear reason, or noticing changes in your appearance — it could be more than just stress or aging.
These symptoms might be signs of Cushing’s disease, a condition that affects your body’s ability to regulate cortisol.
At The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, our team of board-certified endocrinologists specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone-related conditions like Cushing’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome. We’re here to help you get the answers and the care you need.
What is Cushing’s disease?
Cushing’s disease is a pituitary disorder. It happens when a noncancerous tumor on your pituitary gland causes your body to produce too much cortisol.
Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone,” but it’s involved in much more, such as regulating your metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. When there’s too much cortisol, your body can go into hormonal overdrive.
Cushing’s syndrome, by contrast, is a broader term. It refers to the collection of symptoms caused by too much cortisol, whether the source is the pituitary gland (as in Cushing’s disease) or something else.
What causes it?
In most cases, Cushing’s disease is caused by a benign tumor (called a pituitary adenoma) that signals your adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Other causes of Cushing’s syndrome include:
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Adrenal tumors
- Ectopic ACTH production from other types of tumors
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms often look similar, which is why expert diagnosis is so important.
5 signs that you might have Cushing’s disease
This condition can be sneaky because the signs may come on gradually, and you can easily mistake them for other health problems. If you’ve noticed a combination of the following symptoms, it’s time to talk with one of our specialists:
1. Rapid or unexplained weight gain
Cushing’s disease triggers fat redistribution in your body, so you may gain weight in your face, neck, and abdomen. If your face is getting rounder, sometimes called a “moon face,” it could be a sign of Cushing’s disease.
2. Muscle weakness
Because cortisol breaks down your muscle tissue and uses it for energy, you may notice your arms and legs feel weaker than usual.
3. Purple stretch marks (striae)
Cortisol weakens your skin’s connective tissue, causing it to stretch and tear more easily, so another sign of Cushing’s disease is stretch marks. They can appear thin or wide and appear on your abdomen, thighs, or breasts.
4. Thinning skin and easy bruising
If you have Cushing’s disease, minor bumps can leave major bruises. Cuts may take longer to heal because high cortisol levels reduce collagen production, making your skin fragile.
5. Mood changes
Because cortisol affects your brain’s neurotransmitters and stress response and disrupts emotional regulation, Cushing’s disease may trigger anxiety, irritability, or even depression.
These symptoms may not appear all at once, and each person’s experience can be different. But taken together, they paint a clear picture that something is off with your hormonal balance.
How we treat Cushing’s disease
Diagnosis usually starts with a thorough review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and specialized lab tests to measure cortisol levels. Imaging tests (like MRI) can help pinpoint any pituitary tumors.
Once diagnosed, we tailor treatment to your situation. At The Endocrine Center, we offer:
- Expert evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of endocrinology specialists
- Medical therapy to reduce cortisol production
- Surgical options when necessary
- Long-term follow-up care to monitor hormone levels and prevent recurrence
Many people with Cushing’s disease make a full recovery with proper treatment, but early detection is key.
If you haven’t been feeling right and can’t figure out why, it’s worth checking your hormone health. Our experienced team at The Endocrine Center is ready to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Call today to schedule an appointment or request a visit online. We have three locations in Houston, Texas.
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