Glucocotricoid Use
Cushing's syndrome is caused by too much cortisol being present in the body for an extended period of time. One of the most common causes of Cushing's syndrome is use of glucocorticoids on a regular basis. Glucocorticoids (such as hydrocortisone or prednisone) are medications that are chemically very similar to cortisol. They are used because they also work as very potent anti-inflammatory medications because they suppress the body's immune system. As a result, they can be used to treat patients with problems relating to the immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or auto-immune diseases) as well as people who have had organ transplants.
Stress
Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress. As a result, having a high amount of stress (either physical or emotional) increases cortisol levels, which can lead to Cushing's syndrome. As a result, athletes who are undergoing intense training are prone to developing Cushing's. Women in their last three months of pregnancy can also develop Cushing's because supporting the fetus puts stress on the body. People with alcoholism, depression, malnutrition or panic disorders are also more likely to develop Cushing's because these conditions also increase cortisol levels.
Tumors
Cushing's syndrome can also be caused by tumors that lead to increased cortisol secretion. One kind of tumor that can cause Cushing's syndrome is a tumor in the adrenal gland that secrets cortisol. Another kind of tumor that can cause Cushing's is a pituitary tumor that secrets a hormone called adrenocorticotropin hormone. This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to make cortisol. Elevated levels of adrenocorticotropin hormone leads to increased cortisol production, causing Cushing's syndrome.
