THE ADRENAL GLAND

We have seen that overactive adrenal glands could make us hairy and masculine in appearance. These same adrenals could have even more devastating effects upon the appearance if they over-produce the hormone cortisone. Excessive adrenal gland production of cortisone results in "Cushings Syndrome" causing a rare but horrible collection of physical changes. As with most hormonal disorders, the physical changes appear gradually and may be mistakenly attributed to diet, lifestyle or age.
In Cushings Syndrome, changes to the physique can make it resemble an "orange on toothpicks" with a fat trunk, a "buffalo hump" at the back of the neck, a round moon-shaped face and skinny muscle-wasted limbs! The skin may also be affected and becomes thin with purple stretch marks and increased bruising and facial hair.
The most common cause of Cushings Syndrome is the long-term administration of cortisone tablets to treat conditions such as severe arthritis or asthma and so doctors always try to give their patients the smallest possible dose of these life-saving drugs. Cushings Syndrome may also occur because of a tumour of the pituitary or adrenal gland.
The amount of cortisone produced by your adrenal glands is easily checked with blood and urine tests. If a tumour of the pituitary or adrenal gland is discovered, surgical treatment is required.
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