The studies that your doctor will request once you have performed a physical examination and analyzed your symptoms and clinical history, will mainly be blood, urine, and saliva tests to check cortisol levels. He or she may also order imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan to look for any abnormalities in the adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
These types of diagnostic tests are of great help in ruling out other conditions whose symptoms are similar to Cushing’s disease, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, eating or hormonal disorders.
Treatment will depend on whether the problem originated in the adrenal glands, in the pituitary gland, or elsewhere. The traditional treatment is based, mainly, on reducing the consumption of corticosteroids and the supply of certain drugs. But if the cause is a tumor, it is likely that you will undergo surgery and apply doses of radiotherapy.
After surgery, you’ll need cortisol replacement medications to provide your body with the proper amount of cortisol. Over time, normal adrenal hormone production usually returns. However, there are people who require replacement therapy for life.
In ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.
