Overactive adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome)

What causes Cushing’s syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome—the overproduction of corticosteroids—may be caused by an overproduction of cortisol (the hormone that controls the adrenal gland) by the pituitary gland. Other causes of Cushing’s syndrome include:

• certain lung cancers and other tumors outside the pituitary gland
• benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous tumors on the adrenal gland(s)

What are the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?

Children and adolescents with Cushing's syndrome experience weight gain, growth retardation and hypertension (high blood pressure). Other symptoms may include:

• upper body obesity
• round or moon-shaped face
• increased fat around neck
• thinning arms and legs
• fragile and thin skin
• darkened pigmentation of the skin
• acne
• bruising
• stretch marks on abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and breasts
• bone and muscle weakness
• severe fatigue
• high blood sugar
• irritability and anxiety
• excessive hair growth in females
• irregular or stopped menstrual cycles in females
• reduced sex drive and fertility in males