Question 1

What is Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's Syndrome is a hormonal disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to abnormally high levels of cortisol in the body. It is caused by excessive cortisol production from the adrenal glands, often due to tumors or prolonged corticosteroid medication use. The Cortisol, Total test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures cortisol levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's Syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. The most common cause is overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands due to benign tumors on the pituitary gland (Cushing's disease) or adrenal glands themselves. Long-term use of corticosteroid medications like prednisone for conditions such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis can also trigger the syndrome. In rare cases, tumors in other organs like the lungs can produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates excess cortisol production.

Question 3

What is the best test for Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Cortisol, Total test is the most important blood test for Cushing's Syndrome because it directly measures the amount of cortisol circulating in your bloodstream, which is the hallmark of this condition. The Cortisol, AM test is also essential because it checks your morning cortisol levels when they should naturally be highest—in Cushing's syndrome, cortisol remains abnormally elevated throughout the day instead of following normal patterns. Additional supporting tests include DHEA-S and DHEA Unconjugated tests to assess adrenal gland function, and metabolic tests like Insulin, Fasting and Potassium, Serum to identify complications from prolonged high cortisol exposure. Your doctor may order multiple tests over time since cortisol levels can fluctuate.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice unexplained weight gain concentrated around your midsection and face, easy bruising, or purple stretch marks on your abdomen or thighs. Other signs include persistent fatigue despite adequate rest, muscle weakness that makes climbing stairs difficult, high blood pressure that develops suddenly, or elevated blood sugar levels. Women may experience irregular periods or excess facial hair, while men might notice decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. If you have been taking corticosteroid medications long-term and develop these symptoms, testing is particularly important.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's Syndrome causes distinctive physical changes including rapid weight gain in the face (moon face), upper back (buffalo hump), and abdomen while arms and legs remain thin. You might develop purple or pink stretch marks, thin skin that bruises easily, and slow-healing wounds. Other symptoms include persistent high blood pressure, bone loss leading to fractures, increased thirst and urination from high blood sugar, mood changes like anxiety or depression, irregular menstrual periods in women, and decreased fertility in men. Muscle weakness, particularly in the hips and shoulders, and chronic fatigue are also common complaints.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People taking high-dose corticosteroid medications for conditions like asthma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are at highest risk for developing Cushing's Syndrome. The condition affects women three times more often than men, typically between ages 25 and 40. Individuals with pituitary tumors or adrenal gland tumors face increased risk, though these growths are usually benign. Those with a family history of endocrine tumors or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes also have elevated risk. Athletes or bodybuilders who misuse synthetic corticosteroids are another at-risk group.

Question 7

What happens if Cushing's Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Cushing's Syndrome leads to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. High cortisol levels cause persistent high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke significantly. The condition causes bone loss (osteoporosis), making fractures common even from minor falls. Type 2 diabetes often develops due to cortisol's effects on blood sugar regulation. Your immune system becomes weakened, making you vulnerable to serious infections. Blood clots in the legs or lungs become more likely, and some people develop kidney stones. Mental health deteriorates with increased risk of severe depression and anxiety. The overall mortality rate increases substantially without treatment.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential diagnostic tools for Cushing's Syndrome and directly measure cortisol levels and related hormones. The Cortisol, Total and Cortisol, AM tests detect elevated cortisol in your bloodstream, which is the defining characteristic of this condition. Blood tests also assess DHEA-S and DHEA levels to evaluate adrenal gland function, measure testosterone to check for hormone suppression, and test insulin, potassium, and CO2 levels to identify metabolic complications. However, diagnosis typically requires multiple tests over time since cortisol levels naturally fluctuate. Your doctor may combine blood tests with 24-hour urine collections or late-night saliva tests for comprehensive evaluation.

Question 9

How is Cushing's Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of excess cortisol production. If corticosteroid medication is the culprit, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage under careful supervision—never stop suddenly as this can be dangerous. Surgery to remove pituitary or adrenal tumors is the primary treatment when tumors cause the condition, with cure rates around 80-90% for pituitary tumors. Radiation therapy may be used if surgery is not possible or if tumors return. Medications like ketoconazole, metyrapone, or mifepristone can block cortisol production or its effects when surgery is not an option. After treatment, you will need lifelong monitoring and possibly hormone replacement therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent Cushing's Syndrome caused by tumors, you can reduce medication-related risk by using corticosteroid medications only when medically necessary and at the lowest effective dose. If you need long-term corticosteroid treatment, ask your doctor about steroid-sparing alternatives or strategies to minimize dosage. Use inhaled or topical corticosteroids instead of oral forms when possible, as they have less systemic absorption. Regular monitoring with blood tests when taking corticosteroids long-term helps catch early signs of excess cortisol. Never use corticosteroids for bodybuilding or athletic performance. If you have risk factors like family history of endocrine tumors, discuss screening options with your healthcare provider.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage Cushing's Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure Cushing's Syndrome, lifestyle changes support medical treatment and improve symptoms. Follow a low-sodium, high-potassium diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help manage blood pressure and potassium loss. Engage in weight-bearing exercises and strength training to combat bone loss and muscle weakness, but start slowly under medical guidance. Prioritize stress management through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga since stress raises cortisol further. Get adequate sleep on a consistent schedule to support hormone regulation. Protect your skin from injury since it heals slowly, and use sunscreen to prevent further thinning. Monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure at home if you have diabetes or hypertension, and work closely with your healthcare team throughout treatment.

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.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            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 Syndrome Blood Test

What is Cushing's Syndrome?

What causes Cushing's Syndrome?

What is the best test for Cushing's Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Cushing's Syndrome?

References

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