Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body makes too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period of time. Cortisol is sometimes called the “stress hormone” because it helps your body respond to stress. Cortisol also helps
- maintain blood pressure
- regulate blood glucose, also called blood sugar
- reduce inflammation
- turn the food you eat into energy
The adrenal glands, two small glands on top of your kidneys, make cortisol.
The adrenal glands, two small glands on top of your kidneys, make cortisol.
How common is Cushing’s syndrome?
Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is rare. “Endogenous” means something inside your body is causing the disorder rather than something outside your body, such as medicine. Estimates vary, ranging from about 40 to 70 people out of every million.