Question: I’ve heard the term “endocrine disruptor chemicals” in the news. What are these and do they have anything to do with Cushing’s? 

Answer: Endocrine disruptors are substances and chemicals that can interfere with or act like hormones in our bodies. They can include substances found in plastics, flame retardants and pesticides such as DDT. They can also include pharmaceuticals that make their way into our water system and environment.
This topic is one that has been the focus of research by the National Institutes of health (NIH). Possible effects include changes in fertility and cancer of the reproductive organs. The NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Services has published a useful brochure on the topic on their website. There is no evidence to date that these disruptors are linked to pituitary adenomas, including Cushing’s.

By Dr. Anne Klibanski, Summer, 2014