8. Muscle Weakness: Not Just Lack of Exercise
Muscle weakness in Cushing’s syndrome can be particularly debilitating. It’s not just feeling tired or unable to carry heavy objects; it’s a general lack of physical stamina. Women often find that their muscle tone diminishes, despite regular exercise, and they tire more easily even with minor physical exertion.
At first glance, this symptom may appear vague. However, it becomes significant when you realize it’s not linked to any particular activity level. Women with active lifestyles may find themselves struggling to complete workouts they previously found easy. On the other hand, even sedentary women report a noticeable decline in their overall physical capacity.
Here’s the thing: cortisol plays a crucial role in muscle function. Excess cortisol can lead to protein breakdown, inhibiting muscle growth and leading to muscle wasting over time. In more severe cases, this can even lead to difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a seated position.
What makes this muscle weakness even more challenging to diagnose is its slow onset. It usually develops gradually, often over months or even years. This makes it easy to attribute the weakness to other factors like aging or lack of exercise, thus delaying diagnosis and treatment. (8)
