what is cushions disease and how do i know if i have it?

Question

can i actually aproch a doctor and tell him to test me for cushions disease?

Answer 1

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.

What are the 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.

How is Cushing's syndrome diagnosed?


Diagnosis is based on a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Often x-ray exams of the adrenal or pituitary glands are useful for locating tumors. These tests help to determine if excess levels of cortisol are present and why.

24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Level
This is the most specific diagnostic test. The patient's urine is collected over a 24-hour period and tested for the amount of cortisol. Levels higher than 50–100 micrograms a day for an adult suggest Cushing's syndrome. The normal upper limit varies in different laboratories, depending on which measurement technique is used.

Once Cushing's syndrome has been diagnosed, other tests are used to find the exact location of the abnormality that leads to excess cortisol production. The choice of test depends, in part, on the preference of the endocrinologist or the center where the test is performed.


*more test and information can be found here: http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm *


If you feel you have these symptoms or maybe just a few of them or even one, you can voice this concern with your doctor and they will be able to determine if further testing should be done. Remember, doctors work for us because we are the ones they are treating ;)

I hope all is well and i hope this information helps

Answer 2

First of all, it's called Cushing's disease.
Secondly, I wish you had posted the symptoms you have which make you think you have it as it is relatively rare.
Thirdly, you can make an appointment with your doctor and ask him to test you for whatever you like but he will do an examination before ordering any tests if he is worth his salt.
Lastly, here is a site with information in Cushing's for you to look at and it includes symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.

http://csrf.net/AboutCushings.htm#Basics

Good luck to you.