Hormonal Disorders

Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. There are several possible causes of Cushing's syndrome, including This can occur due to adrenal tumors such as carcinomas that produce excess cortisol independent of normal regulatory mechanisms. Most cases of Cushing's syndrome result from overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by a benign tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary gland. This tumor causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. In rare cases, tumors outside the pituitary or adrenal glands, such as in the lungs or pancreas, can produce ACTH, leading to increased cortisol production.