Pituitary Cushing Disease

When signs appear that suggest an excess of cortisol, the endocrinologist is the specialist suited to study them. Cushing's disease of pituitary origin is a condition in which a small benign tumor in the pituitary gland causes excessive production of cortisol, a hormone that regulates many of the body's functions.

What may be observed: Weight gain in the face and trunk, muscle weakness, skin changes, mood changes, or variations in blood pressure.

How it is identified: Its evaluation includes hormonal tests and imaging studies that help locate the source of the problem.

When to seek care? If you notice several of these changes in a sustained way, an endocrine evaluation will help clarify the cause precisely.