Fact 3: Potential Causes in the Younger Demographic
Cushing’s syndrome can sometimes find its origins in the prolonged use of certain medications. Corticosteroid medicines, which might be prescribed to tackle conditions like asthma or autoimmune disorders, are common culprits. When these drugs are administered in high doses or over extended periods, the cortisol levels in the body can surge. Parents and guardians need to maintain open communication lines with pediatricians, ensuring that any prolonged medication is continually reassessed for its necessity and impact.
The body itself can, unfortunately, be a source of elevated cortisol. At times, tumors can develop on the pituitary gland, an organ crucial in regulating hormone levels. The pituitary, often described as the “master gland,” exercises control over many other glands, including the adrenal ones responsible for cortisol production. Tumors here can push these glands into overdrive, leading to an excess of cortisol.
Apart from the pituitary gland, tumors directly on the adrenal glands can also induce Cushing’s syndrome. The adrenal glands, seated atop our kidneys, are the primary production houses for cortisol. While tumors on these glands are rare, their presence can have a cascading effect on cortisol levels in the body.(3)
