What is Cushing syndrome?

Cushing syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism

It is a serious condition that occurs when your body produces too much cortisol over time. Hypercortisolism is the medical term for this condition.

What is cortisol?

You may have heard cortisol referred to as the “stress hormone.” It helps regulate several body functions, including:

Blood sugar levels

Metabolism

Blood pressure

Salt and water balance

Mood and memory

Immune system

Stress

Blood sugar levels

Blood pressure

Mood and memory

Stress

Metabolism

Salt and water balance

Immune system

Why is excess cortisol harmful to your body?

Your body has a natural rhythm when it comes to making cortisol.

More in the morning

Less at night

Persistent excess cortisol production disrupts the body’s natural rhythm, which can lead to a variety of health issues, like:

  • High blood sugar

  • High blood pressure

  • Depression

  • Weight gain

Types of Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome can be classified based on the source of excess cortisol:

  • Endogenous Cushing syndrome is when the source of excess cortisol is inside your body, often from a tumor (or nodule)

  • Exogenous Cushing syndrome is when the source of excess cortisol is outside your body, often from a medication containing steroids, such as prednisone

Infographic explaining the three types of endogenous Cushing syndrome.
Infographic explaining the three types of endogenous Cushing syndrome.

Diagnosing Cushing syndrome
Learn about tests that measure cortisol levels and help with diagnosing Cushing syndrome.

Learn about testing for Cushing syndrome