Cushings disease, also known as Cushings syndrome or hypercortisolism, is a condition caused by having too much cortisol in the body for a long time. Cortisol is a hormone that is made in the adrenal glands and helps the body respond to stress and plays many other important roles. Cushings disease is a specific type of Cushings syndrome that occurs when a pituitary tumor causes the body to make too much cortisol. It is a rare pituitary disorder that is progressive, meaning that without treatment, it gets worse over time.

Symptoms of Cushings disease/syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because changes can happen slowly. Some common symptoms include weight gain, thin arms and legs, a round face, increased fat around the base of the neck, stunted growth in children, and high blood pressure. Cushings disease/syndrome can cause complications, including bone loss, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, serious or multiple infections, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

Cushings disease/syndrome can be caused by having too much cortisol in the body due to medications or because the body produces too much of the hormone. Glucocorticoid medicines, often used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and asthma, can cause Cushings syndrome. If Cushings syndrome is caused by a tumor, treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor.