Cushing's syndrome

Condition in which the body chemistry is upset by excessive production of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex.

Symptoms include weight gain in the face and trunk, raised blood pressure, excessive growth of facial and body hair (hirsutism), demineralization of bone, and, sometimes, diabeteslike effects. The underlying cause may be an adrenal or pituitary tumour, or prolonged high-dose therapy with corticosteroid drugs.