Sign in

or Register now

CholesterolNetwork.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save

Cushing syndrome - exogenous

Hypothalamus hormone production
Hypothalamus hormone production
Definition

Exogenous Cushing syndrome is a form of Cushing syndrome that occurs in people taking glucocorticoid (also called corticosteroid) hormones, such as prednisone.


Alternative Names

Cushing syndrome - corticosteroid induced; Corticosteroid-induced Cushing syndrome; Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome; Exogenous Cushing syndrome


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Exogenous means caused by something outside the body. Exogenous Cushing syndrome occurs when a person takes human-made (synthetic) glucocorticoids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, for treatment purposes (for example, to treat asthma).

In Cushing syndrome, the adrenal glands produce too much of certain hormones, such as cortisol.

For other causes and more information about Cushing syndrome, see:

  • Cushing syndrome
  • Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal tumor
  • Ectopic Cushing syndrome


Review Date: 03/18/2008
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Was this helpful? Yes
  • Save

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (1350) >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Cholesterol and related health conditions.