Cushing's is a little known disorder that causes a wide variety of symptoms, including abdominal weight gain, a puffy round face, muscle weakness, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other symptoms. Cushing's symptoms occur when the body is over-exposed to a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is corticosteroid hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal gland.
While the most common cause of Cushing's is exposure to corticosteroid medications such as prednisone and others used in injections and creams, a small percentage of the population develop Cushing's due to a tumor on the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, or elsewhere in the body. Because Cushing's caused by tumors is a relatively rare disorder and some of the symptoms are common in the population, many patients with Cushing's are not tested for the disorder and continue to go undiagnosed.
The Cushing's Support and Research Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting patients with Cushing's and their families. Since 1995, the CSRF has provided information for patients on the medical aspects of Cushing's, put patients in contact with other patients and worked to increase awareness in the general population and the medical community. We are supported primarily by membership and individual donations and would greatly appreciate your support! |
|