Cushing’s Disease - Hormones Australia
Cushing's disease is caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland and is diagnosed using multiple tests. Treatment is most often surgery, although radiotherapy and medications are also sometimes needed.
Cushing's syndrome
Key facts
- Cushing's syndrome is a condition where you have high levels of a hormone called cortisol.
- It can be caused by a tumour or from taking high doses of steroid medicine for a long time.
- Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, skin problems and mood changes.
- It can cause other conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and osteoporosis.
- Cushing's syndrome can be cured, but you will need long term follow up to make sure it doesn't come back.
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome is a condition where your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can be because your body is making too much of it or because you have taken a lot of oral corticosteroid medicines.
Cortisol is a hormone that is made by your adrenal glands. You have two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney.
Cortisol affects many different body functions. It is produced in different amounts throughout the day. Your cortisol levels are generally highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Higher amounts are produced during times of stress. However, in Cushing's syndrome, cortisol levels stay high all the time.
Cushing's syndrome is rare. It affects more females than males.
What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:
- a rounded face
- weight gain, especially around your torso
- a hump between your shoulders
- feeling tired or moody
- skin problems such as slow healing of wounds, bruising and stretch marks on your tummy and thighs
- lower libido (sex drive)
Females may also grow more hair on their face and body and have irregular periods.
Males with Cushing's syndrome may also have erectile dysfunction.
Children with Cushing's syndrome may have problems with growth.
What causes Cushing's syndrome?
Some people with Cushing's syndrome have a tumour (growth) in a part of their brain called the pituitary gland. This tumour tells the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This condition is known as Cushing's disease.
Cushing's syndrome can also be caused by:
- a tumour in your adrenal gland
- overgrowth of the adrenal glands
- a tumour somewhere else in your body
- taking corticosteroid (steroid) medicine for a long time
If you have Cushing's syndrome because you take steroid medicine, don't stop taking it suddenly. This can make you very unwell. Talk to your doctor about what to do next.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you have any symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. It can make you very unwell if it is not treated.
If you have Cushing's syndrome, you should see your doctor often so they can monitor your condition and make sure that you're receiving the right treatment.
How is Cushing's syndrome diagnosed?
Cushing's syndrome can be hard to diagnose, because it causes symptoms that can occur in many other health conditions.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you and check your blood pressure.
To measure your cortisol levels, your doctor may refer you for
- blood tests
- urine tests
- saliva tests
If your cortisol levels are high, your doctor may recommend a CT scan or MRI scan of your brain or adrenal glands to identify the cause.
You may also be referred to an endocrinologist (a doctor who specialises in problems with hormones).
How is Cushing's syndrome treated?
The treatment depends on the cause.
If you are taking steroid medicines, discuss with your doctor about whether you should reduce the dose.
If you have a tumour causing Cushing's syndrome, your doctor may recommend treatment such as:
- surgery to remove the tumour
- radiotherapy — if your tumour cannot be fully removed with surgery
- medicine to stop your body making too much cortisol
After surgery, it can take some time for your body to make the right amount of cortisol. You might need to take corticosteroid medicine to boost your cortisol levels while you recover.
Cushing's disease can come back after treatment. After you have recovered, you should have your cortisol levels checked regularly to make sure you stay healthy.
Can Cushing's syndrome be prevented?
Cushing's syndrome caused by a tumour can't be prevented.
Cushing's syndrome can be caused by using high doses corticosteroids to treat long-term conditions. If you are taking a corticosteroid medicine, see your doctor regularly for check-ups and monitoring.
What are the complications of Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome can often be cured, but if untreated, it can make you very unwell.
Some health problems that can be caused by Cushing's syndrome include:
- high blood pressure
- high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes
- osteoporosis and fractures
- depression or other mood changes
- heart attack, stroke or blood clots
- higher risk of infections
- fertility problems
Resources and support
Support and information (Opens in new tab) for adults and children with pituitary conditions (Opens in new tab) is available from the Australian Pituitary Foundation (Opens in new tab).
More information about hormones (Opens in new tab) and Cushing's disease (Opens in new tab) is available from Hormones Australia (Opens in new tab).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: April 2026
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