Hi,
Some of the symptoms you describe are the same symptoms as Cushing's Syndrome or Cushing's Disease, but those alone are not indicators of this specific medical condition. Your symptoms may also be a result of your current medical conditions or your treatment, and it is important to follow-up with your doctor regarding your test results and on-going (and new) symptoms.
What information did your doctor provide, regarding your lab test results? Have you talked with your doctor about your new symptoms?
There are specific tests to help diagnose Cushing's Disease, and I've included the Symptoms as well:
Symptoms
Although symptoms may vary, common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are:
* Weight gain of the upper body and trunk
* Face shaped like a moon
* Skin changes:
o Darkening of the skin
o Purple stretch marks
o Easy bruising
* Excess hair growth or acne in women
* Menstrual disorders, especially infrequent or absent periods
* Diminished fertility and libido
* High blood pressure
* Water retention or swelling
* High blood sugar or diabetes
* Tiredness or fatigue
* Personality changes or mood swings
* Muscle weakness
* Osteoporosis or brittle bones
* Skeletal growth retardation in children
* Increased thirst
* Frequent urination
* Psychosis
* Low back pain
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests for Cortisol Levels
* 24-hour urinary free cortisol level—urine is collected for 24 hours and tested
* Late-Evening cortisol saliva/blood level—saliva or blood is collected around 11pm and tested
* Dexamethasone suppression test—a synthetic cortisl called dexamethasone is taken by mouth; blood and urine samples may be taken overnight or over several days
Tests to Determine Cause of Cushing's Syndrome
* CRH stimulation test
* ACTH level
* High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
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Hi,
Some of the symptoms you describe are the same symptoms as Cushing's Syndrome or Cushing's Disease, but those alone are not indicators of this specific medical condition. Your symptoms may also be a result of your current medical conditions or your treatment, and it is important to follow-up with your doctor regarding your test results and on-going (and new) symptoms.
What information did your doctor provide, regarding your lab test results? Have you talked with your doctor about your new symptoms?
There are specific tests to help diagnose Cushing's Disease, and I've included the Symptoms as well:
Symptoms
Although symptoms may vary, common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are:
* Weight gain of the upper body and trunk
* Face shaped like a moon
* Skin changes:
o Darkening of the skin
o Purple stretch marks
o Easy bruising
* Excess hair growth or acne in women
* Menstrual disorders, especially infrequent or absent periods
* Diminished fertility and libido
* High blood pressure
* Water retention or swelling
* High blood sugar or diabetes
* Tiredness or fatigue
* Personality changes or mood swings
* Muscle weakness
* Osteoporosis or brittle bones
* Skeletal growth retardation in children
* Increased thirst
* Frequent urination
* Psychosis
* Low back pain
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests for Cortisol Levels
* 24-hour urinary free cortisol level—urine is collected for 24 hours and tested
* Late-Evening cortisol saliva/blood level—saliva or blood is collected around 11pm and tested
* Dexamethasone suppression test—a synthetic cortisl called dexamethasone is taken by mouth; blood and urine samples may be taken overnight or over several days
Tests to Determine Cause of Cushing's Syndrome
August 28, 2011 - 6:02am* CRH stimulation test
* ACTH level
* High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
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