Cushing Syndrome

It is advisable to seek an evaluation when striking changes in weight and skin appear without a clear cause: Cushing syndrome appears when the body is exposed for a long time to high levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress and metabolism.

What it is: The excess of cortisol, whether produced by the body itself or by certain treatments, disturbs the hormonal balance and affects several systems of the body.

Frequent symptoms: Weight gain in the face and trunk, muscle weakness, thin skin that bruises easily, marked stretch marks, and changes in mood.

Which specialist treats it? The endocrinologist is the one who studies hormonal alterations like this, and in children the pediatric endocrinologist; the internist can provide guidance in a first visit. If you recognize several of these changes, discussing it with a professional helps to clarify its cause.