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Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal
disorder caused by prolonged
exposure of the body's tissues to
high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Sometimes called "hypercortisolism,"
it is relatively rare and most
commonly affects adults aged 20 to
50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every
million people are affected each
year.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but most people have
upper body obesity, rounded face,
increased fat around the neck, and
thinning arms and legs. Children
tend to be obese with slowed growth
rates.
Other symptoms appear in the skin,
which becomes fragile and thin. It
bruises easily and heals poorly.
Purplish pink stretch marks may
appear on the abdomen, thighs,
buttocks, arms and breasts. The
bones are weakened, and routine
activities such as bending, lifting
or rising from a chair may lead to
backaches, rib and spinal column
fractures.
Most people have severe fatigue,
weak muscles, high blood pressure
and high blood sugar. Irritability,
anxiety and depression are common.
Women usually have excess hair
growth on their faces, necks,
chests, abdomens, and thighs. Their
menstrual periods may become
irregular or stop. Men have
decreased fertility with diminished
or absent desire for sex.
Content Courtesy : www.niddk.nih.gov
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