The signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome vary from person to person making Cushing's a really hard disease to diagnose.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Symptoms

Life changed for me in 1983.

At first I noticed I'd stopped having my periods and, of course, I thought I was pregnant. I went to my Gynecologist who had no explanation. Lots of women lose their periods for a variety of reasons so no one thought that this was really significant.

Then I got really tired, overly tired. I would take my son to a half hour Choir rehearsal and could not stay awake for the whole time. I would lie down in the back of the van, set an alarm and sleep for the 30 minutes.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Personal_Stories_-_MaryO

(Golden Oldie) Margaret is from SW, Virginia.  She had recently been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease.  She was scheduling an IPSS.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/06/25/margaret-margaret-pituitary-bio/

...I have not been diagnosed, but I’m trying to learn all I can due to all the symptoms I have.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/29/metabolomic-biomarkers-in-urine-of-cushings-syndrome-patients/

It makes me sad just thinking about that conference.  Since that time, three of my close Cushie friends in attendance have died.  Sue, Natalie, and Diana.  Cookie had died the previous year but she had also been a force to reckon with. All died too young.  All the Cushies who have died have been too young.  I hate this disease/syndrome.

Read more at http://www.maryo.co/nashville/

Donna Sellers, President, John’s Foundation for Cushing’s Awareness, mother of a Cushing’s patient.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/06/19/interview-with-donna-sellers-mother-of-a-cushings-patient

Pituitary Tumors, Adrenal Tumors, and Other Cushing’s Syndrome Causes

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/10/02/causes-of-cushings-syndrome/

Medical therapy has an important, albeit secondary, role in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. While medications are not currently used as definitive therapy of this condition, they can be very effective in controlling hypercortisolism in patients who fail surgery, those who are not surgical candidates, or those whose tumor location is unknown. Medical therapies can be particularly helpful to control hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing’s disease who underwent radiation therapy and are awaiting its salutary effects.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/12/04/medical-therapies-in-cushings-syndrome/

Analysis of observational studies was performed to determine the association between yogurt consumption and type 2 diabetes, along with possible mechanisms involved. Findings reported that in healthy and older adults at high cardiovascular risk, yogurt consumption, in the context of a healthy dietary pattern, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Read more at https://maryomedical.com/2017/06/25/yogurt-and-diabetes-overview-of-recent-observational-studies/

Robin suggested this at the Pittsburgh Cushing's Dinner.

These are the ones I gave out at the dinner and send out with the awareness bracelets. I print them on special tri-fold brochure paper and that works out well.

I do update these after each meeting, when I have new pictures, so if you print them out, check back now and then for the latest copy smile.gif

Newest version has a Columbus, OH picture

Print your own Cushing's brochures at http://www.cushings-help.com/downloads/brochure.pdf

Hair cortisol concentration, a biomarker of chronic stress, is associated with early breast development in girls and increased testicular volume in boys.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/05/29/cortisol-chronic-stress-increases-the-risk-of-early-puberty/

...my life has changed significantly since my last interview, and I could talk about losing my job and applying for Social Security at such a young age. And the issues about self-esteem tied to a career, and risk of depression and isolation...

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/06/26/alicia-returns-for-a-second-interview-just-after-her-social-security-disability-medical-screening

...gained 30 lbs in a month, just had a Ct scan where they said I have no adrenal tumors but my dhea-s is still in the 860 range....

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2016/01/23/chelsea-undiagnosed-bio/

(Golden Oldie)  Kathleen (irishlass) is from Wisconsin.  She had a transsphenoidal pituitary resection December 5, 2007.  A recent MRI revealed a good portion of the tumor remains.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/02/26/kathleen-irishlass-pituitary-bio/

Kara Murrow was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease after medical professionals discovered a tumor on her pituitary gland. For six years, she experienced symptoms — including weight gain, dizziness and headaches — but said doctors couldn’t determine the cause. 

 Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/03/26/science-teacher-receives-support-after-cushings-disease-diagnosis/

Annette is from Chattanooga, TN, She has many Cushing's symptoms but is not yet diagnosed.  She was diagnosed as insulin resistant and as of recent was told she is not insulin resistant.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/01/30/annette-s-annette-undiagnosed-bio/

 Some diseases/ disorders and conditions, such as Cushing's, could be responsible for your abdominal fat and these have nothing to do with not exercising or not eating right. 

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/04/24/reasons-you-have-flab-around-your-abdomen/

Elton John has over a thousand pairs, Canadian singer Corey Hart only wears his at night, and you can tell the good guys from the bad guys in The Matrix by the shape of theirs. What am I talking about? Sunglasses, of course! There’s nothing quite as stylish as a pair of shades, so get out your aviators or your wayfarers and start celebrating National Sunglasses Day!

Read more at http://www.maryo.co/national-sunglasses-day/

The Add Your Bio form has been updated so that it no longer requires Flash. Your information will help others.

I would like to add that if anyone would like to do something for the Cushing's Awareness Challenge but you don't have (or want to have) a blog, why not consider adding your bio to the website this month?

More info at http://www.cushings-help.com/forms/bio.htm

Add your location and diagnosis to our Cushing's World Map.
Helpful Doctor locations are being added to this map, as well

See the Map at http://www.zeemaps.com/pub?group=342449&legend=1&locate=1&add=1

Cushing disease (CD) is due to pituitary corticotrope adenomas that produce unrestrained ACTH secretion and have lost the negative feedback exerted by glucocorticoids (GCs).

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/03/14/the-cables1-gene-in-glucocorticoid-regulation-of-pituitary-corticotrope-growth-and-cushing-disease/

Meme's brother-in-law has had a lifetime of prednisone use due to chronic asthma. He has steroid induced (Iatrogenic) Cushing's.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/02/27/memes-brother-steroid-induced-bio/

Pituitary adenoma is one of the most common intracranial neoplasms, and its primary treatment is endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal tumorectomy. Postoperative hypokalemia in these patients is a common complication, and is associated with morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the etiopathology of postoperative hypokalemia in pituitary adenomas after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/05/23/a-retrospective-analysis-of-postoperative-hypokalemia-in-pituitary-adenomas-after-transsphenoidal-surgery/

Cushings-Help has provided information and support for people with Cushing's or other endocrine problems, their friends and families for over 15 years.

The Cushings Help family of websites and the message boards are growing fast. Each has outgrown it's web server and had to be moved to accommodate this growth.

Read more at http://fnd.us/apR55?ref=sh_73Ppz4

Getting a diagnosis and dealing with tests can be a very trying time. Here are some words you'll want to know.

Find them at http://www.cushings-help.com/definitions.htm

I was also treated at NIH (almost 1 year ago)...

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/06/23/help-advance-research-for-better-cushings-syndrome-treatment/

Do you know how many people have told me that if I just “juice”, I will be cured from Cushing’s or Adrenal Insufficiency?! I appreciate the sentiment, but the sad reality is that no amount of juicing and no vitamin will cure Cushing’s. Some Cushing’s patients do take vitamins, some do eat raw food or paleo diets, and some even juice. However, this is just a lifestyle choice and not an attempt to cure Cushing’s. 

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2017/04/28/myth-vitamins-and-natural-remedies-can-cureheal-cushings/

Early and midterm nonremission after transsphenoidal surgery in people with Cushing’s disease may be predicted by normalized early postoperative values for adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol, study data show.

Read more at http://wp.me/p3t4Te-Nm

Matt is from Las Vegas, NV.  He has used inhalers for about 20 years and has developed several symptoms that sound like Cushing's.  His doctors all dismiss the idea that the inhalers caused his problems.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/03/22/matt-undiagnosed-bio/

This is a very easy way to give back without it costing you anything.

Every new member who joins to support your organization by July 15th and makes their first purchase by July 31st earns a $5 Bonus for Cushings Help!

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2017/06/14/5-bonus-for-cushings-help/

I am going through the same thing. I was diagnosed with MS in 2008. They noticed the lesions on my brain when they did an MRI for migraines, then followed with a spinal tap, which was also positive for MS. I thought ” FINALLY” someone found out what is wrong with me….So I thought....

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2013/05/12/kristi-kingskid-undiagnosed-bio/

The upgrade is here, it's different and I need a new 'skin' for this to get rid of all the white.

Some things are still happening behind the scenes.

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2017/06/14/the-boards-have-been-upgraded/

The pituitary gland stimulates all the other endocrine glands to produce their own hormones.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/09/07/all-about-the-pituitary-gland/

Christine Miserandino (2010) uses the spoon theory to answer the question, “What does it feel like to be sick?” The spoons serve as a symbol for resources available and energy spent to get through every moment of every day.

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/2017/04/26/myth-even-though-you-are-chronically-ill-you-should-have-the-same-amount-of-energy-every-day/

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational drug for the treatment of Cushing's Syndrome. Under the supervision of qualified physicians, cortisol levels and symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome will be closely followed along with any signs of side effects.

Learn more at http://curec.lk/1X0J6kT

Katie’s short bio: Symptoms started in 2002 at age 22, or before. Jan. 2008 – 2 mm. area of differential enhancement on right pituitary and 11 mm. pineal cyst identified by MRI Jan. 2008 – DX – hypothalamic amenorrhea Mar. 2008 – DX – pituitary adenoma, hypogonadism – female Katie will be an officer in the upcoming Cushing’s Help Organization.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/07/24/interview-with-katie-kvb927

Through these results, we suggest that substrate rewiring may contribute to Cushing's Syndrome disease etiology, and introduce a powerful new paradigm for investigating mutation-induced kinase substrate rewiring in human disease.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/12/15/cushings-syndrome-mutant-pkal205r-exhibits-altered-substrate-specificity/

'As a potential solution to the limitations of these tests, hair cortisol has been increasingly studied as an additional means to diagnose patients with Cushing Syndrome. Much like hemoglobin A1C is a longitudinal marker of blood glucose levels, hair cortisol can be a measure of the body's glucocorticoid levels over the previous several weeks to months.'

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/02/09/hair-test-for-cushing-syndrome/

Melissa (Melissa) is from Franklin, Kentucky. She had a pituitary tumor removed but had symptoms return after 10 years.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/05/25/melissa-pituitary-bio-2/

WOW! You have been through so much. It is a miracle to me that you have as good of an attitude as you do. I think if this had been me, either I would have given up by now...

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/06/21/maryo-growth-hormone-update/

This follow-up study was conducted to determine which steroid metabolites could serve as potential indicators of Cushing's Syndrome and possible subclinical hypercortisolism in patients diagnosed with so called non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (AIs).

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/29/metabolomic-biomarkers-in-urine-of-cushings-syndrome-patients/

Cushing’s disease is the most common form of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome. It is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland that secretes excessive amounts of a hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Fortunately, this type of tumor is typically benign. Unlike a cancerous (malignant) tumor, a benign tumor stays in its original location and will not spread. After you are diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, it is important that your doctor continues the diagnostic process to determine the cause of hypercortisolism.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Cushing%27s_Disease_or_Syndrome%3F

Myth: 'All Cushing's patients have the exact same symptoms and the level of illness is the same for everyone. If you do not have ALL of the classic symptoms of Cushing's, then you must NOT have Cushing's Syndrome/Disease!'

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Symptoms,_Part_2

In simple terms, Adrenal Insufficiency occurs when the body does not have enough cortisol in it. You see, cortisol is life sustaining and we actually do need cortisol to survive. You have probably seen the commercials about 'getting rid of extra belly fat' by lowering your cortisol. These advertisements make it hard for people to actually understand the importance of the function of cortisol.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Adrenal_Insufficiency

Kassey passed away on June 30, 2016. Her sister said she died in her sleep. She was in the hospital due to a crisis on June 21st.

Kassey was only 20 years old.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2016/07/07/in-memory-of-kassey-whiterock-june-30-2016/

...I may have Cushing’s, but have not finished testing yet.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/28/imaging-technique-measures-tumor-stiffness-to-aid-surgical-planning/

Charlie is not yet diagnosed with Cushing’s but has many symptoms. He writes, in part, “I understand that Cushing’s Disease is a very difficult disease to diagnose. However, it seems as though we have had to guide doctors through this process over the past year. If I sound bitter and frustrated, it is because I am! I have not been able to work over the past year. Tasks that used to take me several hours to complete now take two days. I can no longer walk the dog. I do not sleep well at night..”

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/07/10/interview-with-charlie-creativeogre

Nearly half of adults with Cushing’s disease that persists or recurs after surgical treatment require second and sometimes third therapeutic interventions, including pituitary surgical reintervention, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy or bilateral adrenalectomy, study data from Mexico show.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/03/30/postsurgical-treatment-often-necessary-in-persistent-recurrent-cushings-disease/

Part 1. Robin and MaryO discussed the role of blogs in helping to spread the word about Cushing’s. They also discussed popular doctor blogs and other topics of interest to Cushing’s Patients.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/08/21/tentative-interview-with-joselle

Part 2.  Robin and MaryO discuss the role of blogs in helping to spread the word about Cushing’s. They also discuss popular doctor blogs and other topics of interest to Cushing’s Patients, friends and family.

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/09/25/robin-staticnrg-and-mary-oconnor-maryo-discuss-spreading-the-word-about-cushings-part-2

(1915) Russian-Jewish neuroscientist Joseph Ransohoff was born. He is known pioneering the use of medical imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors.

(1921) Polish gynecologist and sexologist Michalina Wisłocka was born. She was the co-founder of the Society of Sensible Maternity, where she worked on infertility treatment and birth control.

After your physicians have determined that it is reasonably safe to discharge you from the hospital following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery there are a number of important situations that may arise. Most people feel well after discharge. However, you should be aware of these possible problems, just in case. The following general guidelines are provided to promote your health and safety.

Headache, facial, and sinus pain are not uncommon following pituitary surgery. As you may have noted, the pain and discomfort typically improve on a daily basis following surgery. If you should experience a worsening of your pain or discomfort, please contact your neurosurgeon immediately.

Read more at http://www.cushings-info.com/index.php?title=Pituitary_Post-Op

After experiencing bad headaches and double vision, Kris Johnson was diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma, a tumor of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Loyola ENT surgeon Chirag Patel, MD, teamed up with

Video at https://cushieblog.com/2017/02/04/neurosurgeon-and-otolaryngologist-team-up-to-remove-tumor-in-pituitary-gland/

In this video Dr. Theodosopoulos illustrates portions of an endoscopic resection of a pituitary adenoma.

Watch the video at https://cushieblog.com/2017/02/04/endoscopic-surgery-on-a-pituitary-adenoma/

J (Gonzo) is from Michigan. She was misdiagnosed several times before 2001. J had an MRI that showed a 2-3 mm micro adenoma on her pituitary and she took Ketoconazole for several years.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/04/01/j-pituitary-bio/

'There is growing awareness that even less severe degrees of hypercortisolism are harmful,' said Joseph K. Belanoff, M.D., Corcept's Chief Executive Officer. 'As a result, physicians are increasingly screening patients whose metabolic and cardiovascular symptoms have not responded to conventional therapy and finding cases of previously undetected Cushing's syndrome.'

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/05/06/corcept-therapeutics-announces-presentations-on-mifepristone-for-the-treatment-of-patients-with-hypercortisolism/

You may need one treatment or a combination of these treatments to effectively treat your Cushing's syndrome. Your doctor will let you know what treatments for Cushing's syndrome you'll need.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/01/01/cushings-syndrome-treatments/

Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome can take 24 hours of complicated and repeated analysis of blood and urine, brain imaging, and tissue samples from sinuses. But that may soon be in the past: National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers have found that measuring cortisol levels in hair samples can do the same job faster.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/04/01/a-faster-way-to-diagnose-cushings-syndrome/

30% of the patients with Cushing's Syndrome have ACTH levels in the ‘grey zone’ (5–20 pg/mL), thereby posing a challenge in establishing the aetiological diagnosis. 

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/04/01/adrenocortical-carcinoma-masquerading-as-cushings-disease/

...i’m so thankful for you& your sharing your personal journey along with all the intel, articles, advice, medical breakthroughs, personal experiences anecdotal stories and more as I feel I have an Allie in this battle I’ve just begun & I felt completely alone until now- thanks to you

Read more at https://cushieblogger.com/testimonial/msmuzikblog/

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is an uncommon, but potentially fatal. The current symptoms include weakness, fatigue, anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, orthostatic hypotension, salt craving and characterized by hyperpigmentation.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2017/05/06/primary-adrenal-insufficiency-pai/

Q: I am 28 years old and I have not yet started my periods naturally. I have to take medicine for periods — Novelon. The doctors say that there is some problem with my hormones in the pituitary gland. Please advise me how to get normal and natural periods, because after taking the medicine I get my period, but without medicines I don’t.

Read the answer at https://cushieblog.com/2017/02/01/pituitary-issues-irregular-periods/

Not only does the pituitary make its own hormones, but it also triggers hormone production in other glands. The pituitary is aided in its job by the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is situated above the pituitary, and sends messages to the gland on when to release or stimulate production of necessary hormones.

Read more at https://cushieblog.com/2016/12/31/the-pituitary-gland-small-but-mighty/

Nancy (chance) is from Olympia, Washington. She has Iatrogenic (steroid-induced) Cushing's due to being on steroids for 30 years. She also has Adrenal Insufficiency and a doctor told her to say she has Addison's.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/03/01/nancy-chance-steroid-induced-bio/

Aimee is the daughter of a Cushing's patient, Pat.  Pat was due to have a BLA in February 2008.  She has also had two back fusions, two knee replacements, pituitary surgery, gamma knife and chemical treatment.

Read more at https://cushingsbios.com/2017/05/01/aimee-adrenal-bio/

Gracie says: 'I've been having symptoms of Cushing's at least 14 yrs. I began testing with Dr. F. June, 2007. I was diagnosed in May, 2008 with cyclical Cushing's disease. I have surgery coming up soon. I'm going to see Dr. J. next Monday, and I'll get my surgery date that day, so I will know by the night of the program, when I am going to surgery.) Let me know if you need more info.'

Listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cushingshelp/2008/07/31/interview-with-gracie-fatnsassy

New Doctor added to Dallas, Texas.

See the map at http://www.zeemaps.com/pub?group=342449&legend=1&locate=1&add=1