Question: I am wondering if there is any research or if there have there been any suggestions that Cushing’s can bring about early menopause? I am 36 and had pituitary surgery in 2006. My cycles are back, but they are not the same as before Cushing’s. Perhaps this is just my new “normal” but should I be concerned about an early menopause?

Answer: Menopause is typically defined as when the ovaries themselves are unable to produce enough follicles to produce sufficient estrogen and menstrual periods stop. The pituitary gland works normally in that case. Having Cushing’s does not cause an “early menopause”. However, menstrual cycles can be irregular or stop for many reasons other than the ovaries themselves as the primary reason. Normal menses require normal function of the hypothalamus and pituitary. In cases of Cushing’s disease for example, the pituitary gland tumor itself, and, its associated hormone problems, the effects of surgery on the pituitary gland, and hormone or rapid weight changes following surgery, can all lead to irregular or absent menstrual periods. It often takes time for periods to normalize even when all factors are now back to normal. An endocrinologist can best determine whether hormone levels are now normal or whether there are other reasons for continued irregular menstrual cycles.

By Anne Klibanski MD (Spring, 2011)