This very rare disorder, caused by too much cortisol (an adrenal gland hormone) in the system, is characterized by an increase in body weight while height remains constant.

 

Side effects may include easy bruising, thinning of the skin, softening of the bones, muscular atrophy (wasting) and general body weakness.

 

A blood test is used to determine the amount of cortisol in the blood.

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​Cushing’s syndrome is relatively rare. An estimated 10-15 people per million are affected each year. It is most common in adults, between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, although it can occur at any age. it affects women five times more frequently than men.