Endocrine
Medicines for Cushing's syndrome
A condition caused by too much of the hormone cortisol, leading to weight gain, skin and mood changes and high blood pressure — treated by tackling the underlying cause.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome results from the body being exposed to too much cortisol, a stress hormone. The commonest cause is taking steroid medicines long term; less often it is due to the body overproducing cortisol, for example from a small tumour of the pituitary gland (called Cushing's disease) or the adrenal glands.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends entirely on the cause.
- Self-care: For steroid-related cases, never stop steroid medicines suddenly — always follow medical advice.
- When to seek help: See a GP about unexplained weight gain with skin changes (bruising, purple stretch marks), muscle weakness and high blood pressure, especially if taking steroids.
What it is
Cushing's syndrome results from the body being exposed to too much cortisol, a stress hormone. The commonest cause is taking steroid medicines long term; less often it is due to the body overproducing cortisol, for example from a small tumour of the pituitary gland (called Cushing's disease) or the adrenal glands. Typical features include weight gain (especially around the middle and face), a rounded "moon" face, easy bruising, purple stretch marks, thin skin, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, raised blood sugar and mood changes. Because these overlap with common problems, diagnosis relies on specific hormone tests.
How it is treated
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. When it is due to steroid medicine, the dose is carefully reviewed and, where possible, gradually reduced under medical supervision (never stopped suddenly). When the body is overproducing cortisol, treatment targets the source — often surgery to remove a pituitary or adrenal tumour, sometimes with medicines or radiotherapy. Alongside this, the effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes and bone thinning are managed. Care is led by a hormone specialist (endocrinologist), and treating the cause usually reverses many of the features over time.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Cushing's syndrome
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
For steroid-related cases, never stop steroid medicines suddenly — always follow medical advice. Managing weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and bone health, and knowing steroid safety information, all support wellbeing.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about unexplained weight gain with skin changes (bruising, purple stretch marks), muscle weakness and high blood pressure, especially if taking steroids. Seek urgent advice before stopping long-term steroids.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Cushing's syndrome: frequently asked questions
What causes Cushing's syndrome?
Most commonly, long-term steroid medicine. Less often, the body overproduces cortisol due to a tumour of the pituitary or adrenal glands. The treatment depends on the cause.
Can Cushing's syndrome be treated?
Yes. Treating the cause — reducing steroid medicine where possible, or surgery for a tumour — usually reverses many features over time, alongside managing effects like blood pressure and blood sugar.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Cushing's syndrome
- Society for Endocrinology guidance
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