Cushing's Disease is a rare hormonal disease that is the result of too much cortisol in the body. It occurs in men and women ages 20-50, but there are more symptoms in women than men.
High Risk
Women with Type 2 Diabetes or poorly controlled glucose are more likely to develop Cushing's Disease. High blood pressure also puts a woman at risk.
Symptoms
General symptoms of Cushing's Disease include fatigue, high blood pressure, weak muscles, anxiety, high glucose levels, depression and a fatty lump between the shoulders.
Women
Women have additional symptoms that men do not. These include irregular periods, facial hair as well as hair on the thighs, chest and abdomen.
Cause
Cushing's Disease is caused by body tissue being exposed to the cortisol hormones which comes from medications for asthma, lupus, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Bodies can also produce excess cortisol.
Treatment
Women can treat Cushing's Disease with surgery, cortisol-reducing drugs, chemotherapy or radiation. Each case is treated differently.
Tags: Cushing Disease, blood pressure