Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health. It results from an excess of cortisol, a hormone that regulates many body functions, including metabolism, the immune system, and the stress response.
Although this condition is not very common, early detection is essential to avoid serious complications. To achieve this, it is important to understand its main causes, how to recognize the symptoms, and when to consult a specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment.
What Causes Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome can have both endogenous and exogenous causes:
- Endogenous causes: In most cases, excessive cortisol is due to a benign pituitary tumor (Cushing’s disease), which stimulates the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It can also be caused by tumors in the adrenal glands or, more rarely, by ectopic tumors that produce ACTH.
- Exogenous causes: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone), often prescribed for inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, can lead to iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome.
Identifying the root cause is crucial, as treatment strategies depend on the source of the cortisol overproduction.
Common Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome tends to develop gradually, which may cause symptoms to be overlooked or misattributed to other conditions. The most frequent signs to watch for include:
- Weight gain, especially in the face (round or “moon face”), abdomen, and upper back
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs
- Purple stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, or breasts
- High blood pressure and elevated blood sugar (secondary diabetes)
- Skin fragility, frequent bruising, and recurrent infections
- Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, or irritability
- In women: menstrual irregularities and increased facial or body hair
- In men: reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
If you experience several of these symptoms consistently, it is advisable to consult a specialist in endocrinology or neurosurgery, especially if a pituitary tumor is suspected as the underlying cause.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome requires a comprehensive approach, including hormone studies, laboratory tests (such as 24-hour urinary cortisol or late-night salivary cortisol), imaging studies (MRI or CT scan), and specialized medical evaluation.
Treatment depends on the cause of the syndrome:
- Medication: In mild cases or when surgery is not an option, drugs that block cortisol production may be prescribed.
- Surgery: If a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands is the cause, transsphenoidal surgery or adrenalectomy are effective procedures, available in specialized centers across the country.
- Radiation or hormone replacement therapy: These may be considered when surgery does not fully resolve the condition.
Having a medical team experienced in managing pituitary tumors and hormonal disorders is essential to achieving an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment. In Costa Rica, there are neurosurgery and endocrinology specialists with advanced training who offer a personalized and integrated approach.
Do you suspect Cushing’s syndrome or already have a diagnosis? Schedule a consultation with our specialists to explore the best treatment for your condition. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
