Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder caused by exposure to high levels of cortisol for an extended period of time, according to the National Institutes of Health. This disorder is also known as hypercortisolism and can cause obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and discolored stretch marks. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50, according to the National Institutes of Health. Treatment for Cushing’s Syndrome involves taking prescription cortisol-reducing medication, surgery or radiation therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Contact your doctor. A proper diagnosis is necessary for determining if you have Cushing’s Syndrome or a different condition that causes similar symptoms. A physical exam followed by urine, saliva and blood tests can also assist in determining your condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Reduce current steroid medication. If your current steroid medication is causing your cortisol levels to increase to an abnormally high level, your doctor can either reduce your dosage or replace your medication with non-corticosteroids, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Take cortisol-reducing medication. Medications that contain ketoconazole, mitotane or metyrapone help reduce cortisol production, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications are prescribed if radiation therapy and surgery are not effective at maintaining cortisol levels.
Tumors can also cause Cushing’s Syndrome, and can easily be removed by having surgery. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor, according to the National Institutes of Health. These tumors are mostly noncancerous, but those that are cancerous may require radiation therapy in addition to surgery.
Consult your doctor about radiation therapy. If your doctor determines a tumor to be cancerous, it is highly recommended to undergo radiation therapy to prevent the spread of cancerous cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.