Cushing's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Medications That Trigger It

When your body makes too much Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Also known as hypercortisolism, it doesn’t just make you gain weight—it can wreck your bones, blood pressure, and mood. This isn’t about stress or eating too much sugar. It’s about your body being flooded with cortisol, either because your adrenal glands overproduce it, your pituitary gland sends the wrong signals, or you’re taking certain medications long-term.

Many people develop Cushing's syndrome from steroid medications, like prednisone or dexamethasone, used for asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases. These drugs mimic cortisol, and over time, your body starts acting like it’s in constant crisis mode. You might notice your face rounding out, your belly swelling while your arms and legs stay thin, or purple stretch marks appearing on your skin. Even worse, your muscles weaken, your bones thin out, and your blood sugar spikes—sometimes leading to full-blown diabetes. It’s not rare. Doctors see it often in people who’ve been on steroids for years, especially for conditions like lupus or Crohn’s disease.

Not everyone with Cushing’s gets it from pills. Some have adrenal tumors, growths on the adrenal glands that pump out extra cortisol. Others have a tumor in their pituitary gland, which then overstimulates the adrenals. These cases are less common but often more serious because they’re not tied to medication use. The symptoms are the same: unexplained weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, high blood pressure, and skin that bruises easily. If you’ve been told your symptoms are "just aging" or "stress," but they keep getting worse, it might be time to ask about cortisol levels.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on how these drugs and conditions connect. You’ll see how Cushing's syndrome overlaps with other health issues like diabetes and osteoporosis. You’ll learn which medications are most likely to trigger it, how to spot early signs before it gets severe, and what steps you can take if you’re on long-term steroids. There’s no fluff—just clear facts on what to watch for, what to ask your doctor, and how to protect yourself.