kkc, Author at CSRF - Cushing's Support & Research Foundation

Author Archives: kkc

Cushing’s and Dental Issues

Question: When I had Cushing’s I lost a number of my teeth due to what I was told was bone loss. Is that the same as osteoporosis and would any of the osteoporosis drugs help me from losing more teeth as some are still loose? Answer: Patients with Cushing’s are at increased risk to develop… Continue Reading

Cushing’s, Emotions and Memory

Question: Why does cortisol have such profound effects on one’s emotions and memory? Answer: Cortisol affects almost every cell in the body, including brain cells. For example, cortisol targets a brain area called the hippocampus that is importantly involved in the process of storing experiences as memories. Normal amounts of cortisol are probably necessary for… Continue Reading

Cushing’s Disease and Lupus

Question: Is there any correlation between Cushing’s Disease and Systemic Lupus? Answer: There is no apparent correlation between development of Cushing’s disease and systemic lupus. However, because patients with systemic lupus improve with steroids, the onset of Cushing’s disease may actually decrease the manifestations of lupus. Conversely, if the Cushing’s disease is treated and cortisol… Continue Reading

Cushing’s and the Thyroid Gland

Question: Does Cushing’s syndrome have an effect on the thyroid gland? Are Cushing’s patients more prone to thyroid problems? Answer: There may be subtle changes in laboratory thyroid function test results. For example, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are often low. However these changes are not associated with clinical symptoms. Once the Cushing’s syndrome is… Continue Reading

Cushing’s and the Liver

Question: I recently was diagnosed with a fatty liver. Does this present with Cushing’s? Answer: Fatty liver is most commonly related to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, with high blood lipid tests (cholesterol, triglycerides).… Continue Reading