Category Archives: Doctor’s Articles

Diagnostic Testing for Cushing’s Syndrome

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Dec 14, 2003 | Diagnosis

A screening evaluation for the possibility of Cushing’s syndrome should be considered in any patient with signs and symptoms of excessive cortisol secretion. Abnormal weight gain, particularly in the central location accompanied by hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia should always signal the possibility of Cushing’s syndrome. Many patients with this disorder will also have facial rounding… Continue Reading

Patient Guide to Transsphenoidal Surgery for ACTH Secreting Pituitary Tumors

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Sep 13, 2003 | Surgery

Question: What is Cushing’s syndrome? Cushing’s syndrome refers to the physical and emotional difficulties caused by an elevated cortisol level. Features of excess cortisol include weight gain, especially centrally, fatigue, easy bruisability, excess hair growth (termed hirsutism), susceptibility to infection, depression, menstrual irregularities in women, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men, high blood pressure,… Continue Reading

The Importance of the Adrenal Cortex Hormones Cortisol and Aldosterone

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Sep 13, 2003 | Steroid Replacement

The adrenals, small glands located above each kidney, produce a number of important hormones. The adrenals’ inner medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). The adrenals also contain an outer cortex, which produces hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione and estrogens. Cortisol and aldosterone are two of the most important hormones the body… Continue Reading

Cushing’s Disease After Successful Transphenoidal Surgery: What to Expect and How to Manage

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Sep 12, 2003 | Recovery

Pituitary corticotrope adenomas overproduce adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) resulting in Cushing’s disease and account for 10-15% of all pituitary adenomas. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is recognized as the primary therapy for the majority of patients diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. Over 90% of patients who have microadenomas (tumor size < 10 mm) or no visible tumor on MRI… Continue Reading

DHEA Replacement in Addison’s Disease

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Apr 13, 2003 | Steroid Replacement

Secondary and primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) are associated with very low circulating DHEAS levels. Patients without both adrenal glands due to treatment for Cushing’s are considered to have primary adrenal insufficiency. Whilst glucocorticoid (cortisol ) and mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) deficiencies are treated with daily medication, the associated failure of adrenal DHEA synthesis is not usually… Continue Reading