Cushing’s Syndrome In 1912 Dr. Harvey Cushing was the first to report his experience with a patient having symptoms due to protracted exposure to cortisol; today glucocorticoids not just cortisol is being named as the culprit to the group of symptoms making up Cushing’s Syndrome (Cushing’s). Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that are involved in metabolism and anti-inflammatory responses. They are part of the feedback loop in the immune system that regulate inflammation; because of their function they are regularly used by doctors to treat allergies, autoimmune diseases and asthma. Glucocorticoids are extensively used as therapy for deficiencies or to suppress the immune system. The signs and symptoms of Cushing’s include high blood pressure, reddish brown stretch marks, a fat deposit at the top of the back, a round moon face, weak muscles and bones, a large…show more content… Pituitary adenomas (Cushing’s) are benign tumors of the pituitary gland account for more than 70 percent of cases in adults and about 60-70 percent of cases in children and adolescents. Cushing’s most commonly affects adults ages 20-50 and is more prevalent in females, accounting for about 70 percent of all cases (“Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments”, n.d.).” Over activity of the pituitary gland is called hyperpituitarism, excessive amounts of ACTH are secreted causing over production of cortisol. Causation of certain symptoms are determined by the type of tumor, for instance an adrenal tumor, may cause Cushing’s; many of these tumors are benign adenomas that release excessive cortisol into the blood. “Also, large adenomas may cause hormonal deficiencies that may present as weakness, feeling cold, less frequent or no menstrual cycle, increased urine, weight gain or loss sexual dysfunction and nausea and vomiting (“Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments”,
