Cushing's Syndrome (Adjunctive Care)

Also known as: Cushing's syndrome, Cushing syndrome, Hypercortisolism, Cushing's disease, Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol, either from long-term corticosteroid medicines (the most common cause) or from the body overproducing cortisol, usually due to a pituitary or adrenal tumour [1][2]. Features include weight gain around the trunk and face, a rounded face, easy bruising, thin skin, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood changes and, in women, excess hair growth and irregular periods [1][2]. Diagnosis requires specific hormone testing, and treatment targets the cause: tapering steroid medicines where possible, or surgery, radiotherapy or medication for hormone-producing tumours [1][2][3]. In Chinese medicine the presentation resembles Phlegm-Damp accumulation with Spleen-Kidney deficiency, and in long-term steroid users, a complex of Kidney Yin deficiency with Empty Heat during treatment and Yang deficiency during withdrawal. Chinese medicine is strictly adjunctive, supporting wellbeing alongside endocrinology care, and corticosteroid medicines must never be stopped abruptly [1][2][4].