9. Mood Swings and Emotional Instability: More Than Just a ‘Bad Day’
While physical symptoms often draw immediate attention, the psychological impact of Cushing’s syndrome is substantial but less talked about. It’s easy to attribute mood swings or emotional outbursts to stressful events or hormonal fluctuations that come naturally with the menstrual cycle, but Cushing’s syndrome amplifies these emotional swings into something much more severe.
The increased levels of cortisol wreak havoc on the neurotransmitters in the brain, which are essential for regulating mood. As a result, women may experience severe mood swings that range from manic episodes to deep depressions. Unlike standard mood swings or stress responses, these aren’t easily controllable and can lead to disruptive behavior.
The fallout from these emotional fluctuations can be catastrophic. Relationships suffer, work performance declines, and the emotional toll can even lead to withdrawal from social activities. For women who are unaware they have Cushing’s syndrome, this aspect of the condition can be the most baffling and isolating.(9)
