Hypercortisolemia

Hypercortisolemia is a medical condition characterized by an excess of cortisol in the blood. This condition can be caused by various factors, including Cushing's syndrome, adrenal tumors, and certain medications.

Causes

Hypercortisolemia can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can be due to a tumor in the adrenal glands or in the pituitary gland, which controls the production of cortisol.

Other causes of hypercortisolemia include:

• Adrenal tumors: These can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase cortisol levels in the blood.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol production.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hypercortisolemia can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Weight gain: This is often centered around the abdomen, with thinner arms and legs.
• Skin changes: These can include thinning skin, easy bruising, and purple stretch marks.
• Muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• Mood changes: These can include depression, anxiety, and irritability.
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypercortisolemia typically involves a series of tests to measure cortisol levels in the blood, urine, and saliva. These may include:

• 24-hour urinary free cortisol test
• Late-night salivary cortisol test
• Dexamethasone suppression test

If these tests indicate high cortisol levels, further tests may be done to determine the cause of the hypercortisolemia.

Treatment

Treatment for hypercortisolemia depends on the cause of the condition. This may involve:

• Surgery to remove a tumor causing the excess cortisol production
• Medications to reduce cortisol production or block its effects
• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques

See also

• Cushing's syndrome
• Adrenal gland
• Cortisol

Hypercortisolemia Resources
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