April is Cushing's Disease Awareness Month

April is Cushing's Awareness Month and the High Level bridge will be lit up on April 7th, 2020 to signal awareness of this pituitary condition.

Cushing disease is estimated to occur in 10 to 15 per million people worldwide. For reasons that are unclear, Cushing disease affects females more often than males.

Cushing disease is caused by elevated levels of a hormone called cortisol, which leads to a wide variety of signs and symptoms. This condition usually occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50; however, children may also be affected. With Cushing disease, the pituitary gland releases too much ACTH. ACTH stimulates production and release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Too much ACTH causes the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol.

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Further information about Cushing's Disease is available at the following site: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cushing-disease#

The above information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users with questions about a personal health condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional.