Cushing's syndrome

noun

: an abnormal condition caused by excess levels of corticosteroids and especially cortisol in the body due either to hyperfunction of the adrenal gland (as from adrenal adenoma or hypersecretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland) or to prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) and that is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms including a full, rounded face with plethora, fatty deposits in the face, neck, and upper back, truncal obesity, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypertension see Cushing's disease

Examples of Cushing's syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The body can make too much cortisol on its own, but Cushing's syndrome usually results from taking steroids for a long time. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2024

However, certain conditions like Cushing's syndrome, adrenal cancer, osteoporosis, and obesity can raise your risk of developing one. —Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

More:Zinc is an important nutrient, but get it from food, not supplements, experts say Bruising can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions or bleeding disorders such as cirrhosis, von Willebrand disease, Cushing's syndrome, or hemophilia. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

But for some people, the physical symptoms of Cushing's syndrome remain despite their body not producing any cortisol. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024

According to the National Institutes of Health, Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, and can cause a range of symptoms including a round face, weight gain and weak muscles. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2024

Genetic disorders: Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, and Turner syndrome can influence height. —Maria Carter, Parents, 14 Sep. 2023

Irregular periods can be a sign of hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders that affect the pituitary gland, such as Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when your body produces too much cortisol. —Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 26 Apr. 2023

Left untreated, Cushing's syndrome can lead to heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, among other medical issues, says the NIDDK. 4. —Alexis Jones, Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Cushing's syndrome

noun

: an abnormal condition caused by excess levels of corticosteroids and especially cortisol in the body due either to hyperfunction of the adrenal gland (as from adrenal adenoma or hypersecretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland) or to prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (as prednisone) and that is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms including a change in appearance marked by moon face with plethora and truncal obesity, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypertension

called also adrenogenital syndrome

compare cushing's disease, hyperadrenocorticism