Cushing's Syndrome

The book describes how excessive cortisol in the blood leads to Cushing’s syndrome and explains the role of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, ACTH, and CRH in regulating hormone balance. It highlights the difference between endogenous causes such as tumors and exogenous causes like long-term steroid medication use.

Readers will learn about signs and symptoms including fatigue, weakness, muscle loss, round face, buffalo hump, weight gain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, depression, hirsutism, plethora, ecchymosis, edema, frequent infections, and menstrual changes.

Complications are also covered, including bone loss, cardiovascular problems, and the risk of diabetes. The book explains diagnostic methods such as blood tests, saliva and urine cortisol levels, dexamethasone suppression test, CT scans, and MRI imaging.

Treatment approaches are described, from pituitary surgery and irradiation to adrenalectomy and the use of medications. The book also clarifies the difference between Cushing’s syndrome and Cushing’s disease.

This book will appeal to students, healthcare professionals, and readers who want to learn about Cushing’s syndrome, its causes, and available treatments.