Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms

For people with Cushing's syndrome, symptoms of the disorder may include extreme weight gain (especially around the midsection and upper back), excess hair growth, high blood pressure, and skin problems. In addition, children and teenagers with Cushing's syndrome may experience symptoms such as growth retardation, missed periods in girls, and very early or very late puberty. Cushing's syndrome symptoms seen in adults may also include such things as osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression.

 

Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms: An Introduction

An excess of cortisol in the body for long periods of time is what causes Cushing's syndrome symptoms. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome tend to vary based on the person's age.
 

Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms in Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers with Cushing's syndrome may have the following symptoms:
 
  • Extreme weight gain, especially around the midsection and upper back
  • Growth retardation
  • Missed periods in teenage girls
  • Excess hair growth
  • Acne
  • Reddish-blue streaks on the skin
  • High blood pressure
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Either very early or very late puberty.
     

Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms in Adults

Adults with Cushing's syndrome may have symptoms that include:
 
  • Extreme weight gain, especially around the midsection and upper back
  • Excess hair growth
  • High blood pressure
  • Skin problems.
     
In addition, Cushing's syndrome symptoms in adults can include:
 
  • Muscle weakness
  • Osteoporosis
  • Moodiness, irritability, or depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Diabetes
  • Menstrual disorders in women
  • Purplish-pink stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and breasts
  • Decreased fertility in men
  • Diminished or absent desire for sex.
     
(Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD