Question 1

What is Cushing's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease is a serious hormonal disorder that causes excessive cortisol production in the body. It is caused by a pituitary tumor that produces too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. The Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) blood test is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.

Question 2

What causes Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that secretes excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This excess ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. The pituitary tumor is usually small and non-cancerous, but its hormonal effects can cause significant health problems throughout the body if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

The Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) blood test is the most important test for Cushing's disease because it measures the hormone directly responsible for triggering excess cortisol production. Elevated ACTH levels indicate that a pituitary tumor is driving the condition, distinguishing it from other causes of high cortisol. This test is essential because it helps doctors determine whether the problem originates in the pituitary gland versus the adrenal glands or elsewhere, which directly affects treatment decisions. Additional tests like late-night salivary cortisol or 24-hour urine cortisol may be used alongside ACTH testing for comprehensive evaluation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained weight gain concentrated in your face, neck, and trunk while your arms and legs remain thin, or if you develop purple stretch marks on your abdomen. Other warning signs include a round, reddened face, persistent high blood pressure, muscle weakness, easy bruising, and mood changes like depression or irritability. Getting tested is especially important if you notice several of these symptoms together, as early diagnosis helps prevent serious complications like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of Cushing's disease develop gradually and include weight gain with fat deposits around the midsection and upper back, creating a buffalo hump appearance. You might notice your face becoming rounder and redder, wide purple stretch marks on your skin, thinning skin that bruises easily, and wounds that heal slowly. Other common symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, increased thirst and urination, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irregular menstrual periods in women, and decreased sex drive in men.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease most commonly affects adults between ages 20 and 50, with women being three times more likely to develop it than men. People who have taken high doses of corticosteroid medications for extended periods face increased risk, though this causes Cushing's syndrome rather than Cushing's disease specifically. Those with a family history of pituitary tumors or certain genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 may have slightly higher risk. The condition is relatively rare, affecting about 10 to 15 people per million each year.

Question 7

What happens if Cushing's disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Cushing's disease is left untreated, it leads to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. You face significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, severe osteoporosis with bone fractures, cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes, and recurrent infections due to weakened immune function. The condition also causes progressive muscle weakness, kidney stones, cognitive impairment, severe depression, and substantially reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because these complications can be prevented or reversed with proper medical intervention.

Question 8

Can Cushing's disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cushing's disease can be diagnosed with blood tests, particularly the ACTH blood test. However, diagnosis typically requires multiple tests because cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Blood tests measure ACTH and cortisol at specific times, especially in the morning and late evening. Additional diagnostic tools include 24-hour urine cortisol collection, late-night salivary cortisol tests, and the dexamethasone suppression test. Once blood work suggests Cushing's disease, imaging studies like MRI of the pituitary gland help confirm the presence of a tumor.

Question 9

How is Cushing's disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease is primarily treated with surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, called transsphenoidal surgery, which has a success rate of 70-90 percent when performed by experienced neurosurgeons. If surgery is unsuccessful or not possible, radiation therapy can target the tumor over time. Medications that block cortisol production, such as ketoconazole, metyrapone, or mifepristone, may be used temporarily before surgery or long-term if surgery fails. In severe cases where other treatments fail, surgical removal of both adrenal glands may be necessary, followed by lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent Cushing's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's disease caused by pituitary tumors cannot be prevented because the exact cause of these tumors is unknown. However, you can reduce your risk of Cushing's syndrome by using corticosteroid medications only as prescribed and for the shortest time necessary. If you require long-term corticosteroid treatment for conditions like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, work closely with your doctor to use the lowest effective dose. Regular monitoring and awareness of symptoms can lead to early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and prevents serious complications.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Cushing's disease symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure Cushing's disease, certain lifestyle approaches can help manage symptoms during treatment. Focus on eating a balanced diet low in sodium and refined sugars to help control weight gain, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Engage in gentle weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and muscles, though you should avoid high-impact activities if you have osteoporosis. Prioritize good sleep hygiene, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing, and ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake to support bone health. Always work with your healthcare provider, as medical treatment is essential for this condition.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cushing's Disease Blood Test

What is Cushing's Disease?

What causes Cushing's disease?

What is the best test for Cushing's disease?

When should I get tested for Cushing's disease?

References

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