Fact 4: The Diagnostic Journey
Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome often starts with basics. A thorough review of medical history paired with a comprehensive physical exam can offer the first hints. Physicians would be on the lookout for signs like the characteristic “moon face” or unusual weight gain patterns, which can provide initial indicators.
Diagnostics heavily lean on blood tests. These tests aren’t just routine; they aim to gauge cortisol levels within the bloodstream. Elevated levels can be a red flag, but physicians remain cautious. Cortisol has a fluctuating nature, demanding multiple tests at different times to account for its peaks and troughs.
Blood tests, while revealing, might not offer a complete picture. That’s where the 24-hour urine test comes into play. By analyzing cortisol levels over a day, doctors can determine if there’s a consistent elevation, making this test a critical piece in the diagnostic puzzle.(4)
