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

Author Archives: kkc

Blood Sugar and the Dexamethasone Suppression Test

Question: I am being tested for Cushing’s and my blood sugars are already running 400-600. I have been asked to do an overnight dexamethasone suppression test. I am afraid that the dex will further increase my blood sugar. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Dexamethasone can increase blood sugar. You definitely should not receive dexamethasone… Continue Reading

The Hyopthalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Question: My doctor talks about the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-system. What is this and what does it have to do with Cushing’s? Answer: The hypothalamic – pituitary -adrenal system is the body’s normal system for producing cortisol. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, produces a hormone called CRH. CRH travels to the pituitary gland, located just below,… Continue Reading

Is Cushing’s Hereditary?

Question: Are there any theories on what causes Cushing’s tumors? Is it hereditary? Answer: In most patients, a Cushing’s tumor (pituitary or adrenal) is not hereditary. There is a rare form of hereditary pituitary tumors, which is part of the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 syndrome. In this circumstance, members of the affected family have… Continue Reading

Cushing’s Syndrome versus Cushing’s Disease

Question: What is the difference between Cushing’s Syndrome and Cushing’s disease? Answer: Cushing’s syndrome refers to the physical and emotional changes that occur when there is excess cortisol in the body. A very common cause is steroid medication that is prescribed for many diseases such as asthma and arthritis. Endogenous Cushing’s refers to disorders in… Continue Reading

Cushing’s After Pregnancy

Question: From reading this newsletter, it seems that a number of us develop Cushing’s following a pregnancy. Are Cushing’s symptoms more likely to appear after a pregnancy and if so, why? Answer: It may be pure coincidence; or it is possible that the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) secreted from the placenta during the second and… Continue Reading