Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs as a result of the body being exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a prolonged period of time. The syndrome is named after an American surgeon who first identified the condition named Harvey Cushing and can also be called hypercortisolism. The syndrome can occur when excessive amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands. The condition can also result from a person in taking high doses of cortisol-like medications (corticosteroids) for a prolonged period.

Cushing's syndrome is primarily caused by using oral corticosteroid medication. It is very rare for the body to produce excess cortisol by itself.

If left untreated, Cushing's syndrome can eventually lead to death.

Signs and symptoms typical of Cushing's syndrome include:

• Weight gain, particularly around your midsection and upper back
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Muscle weakness
  
  
• Rounding of your face
  
  
• Facial flushing
  
  
• Fatty pad or hump between your shoulders
  
  
• Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin of your abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
  
  
• Thin and fragile skin that bruises easily
  
  
• Slow healing of wounds
  
  
• Depression, anxiety and irritability
  
  
• Thicker or more visible body and facial hair
  
  
• Acne
  
  
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods in females
  
  
• Erectile dysfunction in males

Within the endocrine system are glands such as adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females) and testicles (in men) that produce hormones, which regulate processes throughout the body.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which is responsible for many different things in the body including helping to regulate the blood pressure as well as maintaining normal function of the cardiovascular system. Aside from that, the adrenal glands also assist the body’s response to stress and regulate the way the body metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats into usable energy. When the body’s level of cortisol is too high, a person may develop Cushing's syndrome.

In rare cases, the body’s adrenal glands or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), can overproduce cortisol. These cases are generally related to:

A Pituitary Gland Tumor

An Ectopic ACTH-Secreting Tumor

A Primary Adrenal Gland Disease

But in most cases, its medications, such as prednisone, dexamethasone (Decadron) and methylprednisolone (Medrol), that are to blame for the condition. Many of these corticosteroids are favorites among doctors for treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asthma, etc. Treatment with these medications can result in excessive amounts of cortisol in the body because the doses required to treat these conditions are often higher than the amount of cortisol that your body normally needs.

This is just another reason to avoid prescription medications at all costs.

The regimen outlined below includes steps you can take to treat Cushing's syndrome naturally:

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Eat salmon and/or tuna at least three times a week.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.

Avoid fats, fried foods, ham, pork, processed foods, red meats, sugar, soda and white flour.

Try to exercise at least twice a week and avoid stress as much as possible.

Some supplements that may be beneficial include:

Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily) - Provides all the B vitamins needed for adrenal function.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (4,000 - 10,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Vital for proper adrenal gland function.

Coenzyme A (take as directed on label) - Reduces stress and aids proper adrenal gland function.

L-Tyrosine (500 mg daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, never with milk) - Aids adrenal gland function and lessens stress on the glands.

Chlorophyll (take as directed on label) - Cleanses the bloodstream.

Coenzyme Q10 (60 mg daily) - Transports oxygen to all glands.

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Provides all needed nutrients for proper adrenal gland function.

Astragalus (take as directed on label) - Improves adrenal gland function and reduces stress.

Echinacea (take as directed on label) - Protects tissues from bacteria infection.

Milk Thistle (take as directed on label) - Aids liver function.

Kava Kava, St. John’s Wort and Valerian (take as directed on label) - Reduce stress.