Cushing's Syndrome - Manifestations, Therapy, and Suitable Diet
Lena Bauer
2026-03-17
8 min. read
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An excess of cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland) is the cause of Cushing's syndrome, a set of symptoms caused by an overload of this hormone, regardless of its source. If this excess is due to an overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, which stimulates the release of cortisol), it is referred to as Cushing's disease. The primary cause of these symptoms is the overproduction of cortisol.
Cortisol - the primary glucocorticosteroid hormone
Cortisol is a hormone whose precursor is cholesterol. It belongs to a group of glucocorticosteroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. The amount of cortisol produced is determined by the concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as ACTH. The latter is produced in the pituitary gland, specifically in its anterior lobe. In the adrenal cortex, there are receptors that respond to this hormone, thus stimulating the production of cortisol. This hormone is crucial for the normal functioning of the body. Its presence helps the organism to respond to stress and threats. When a factor that can threaten life or health appears, the organism triggers a stress response. First, there is an activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of adrenaline, leading to an acceleration of the heart rate and an increase in blood flow to the muscles. This is followed by a widening of the respiratory pathways, an increase in glucose and fatty acid levels in the blood. Subsequently, there is a release of cortisol, which keeps the body on alert. When the threat is over, the cortisol level drops. In the past, such a stress response was very useful. Today, however, due to psychological pressure and other factors, chronic stress can lead to a persistent increase in cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on the body.
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