Final answer:
The signs and symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome include a moon-shaped face, muscle weakness, and hypertension, with weight loss not being typical of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome
The signs and symptoms (S&S) of Cushing's Syndrome demonstrate the impact of excessive levels of cortisol in the body. Among the signs and symptoms associated with Cushing's Syndrome are:
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- Moon-shaped face: Patients may have fat deposits that give the face a rounded, or "moon" appearance, a hallmark feature of the disease.
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- Muscle weakness: The breakdown of proteins to make glucose via gluconeogenesis can lead to general muscle weakness.
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- Hypertension: High blood pressure is another consequence of the syndrome.
It's important to note that weight loss is typically not a symptom of Cushing's Syndrome. Instead, obesity and abnormal weight gain, particularly around the trunk and in the face and neck (sometimes referred to as buffalo type obesity), are more common. These physical changes are due to the hypersecretion of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which leads to significant body weight and composition changes.
Cushing's Syndrome can have various causes, including a pituitary tumor leading to the overproduction of ACTH or problems with the adrenal glands themselves. Treatments often focus on the underlying cause, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or medication to regulate cortisol levels.