3. Fatigue and Muscle Weakness: When Even Small Tasks Feel Like Mountains
We all feel worn out from time to time, especially after a busy week or a stressful event. But the kind of fatigue associated with Cushing’s syndrome is a whole other beast.
We’re talking bone-crushing, debilitating exhaustion that seems unshakeable, no matter how much rest you get. Imagine waking up feeling like you’ve just run a marathon—every single day.
That’s the level of fatigue we’re addressing here. This isn’t the kind of tiredness a good night’s sleep can fix. It’s persistent and affects your quality of life substantially.
Tied closely to this fatigue is muscle weakness. Ordinary activities like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or even standing for extended periods become herculean tasks.
The problem lies in cortisol’s role in protein metabolism. Excessive cortisol can lead to protein breakdown, affecting muscle mass and strength.
What’s alarming is how this muscle weakness isn’t always proportional to the visible weight gain or body changes. You might appear perfectly normal to the casual observer but struggle with tasks that should be easy for someone of your build and age.
Now, imagine the cycle. The fatigue makes you less active, and the inactivity can exacerbate muscle loss, further increasing your fatigue. It’s a vicious circle that feeds on itself, making daily functioning increasingly difficult. (3)
