What Is Cushing's Disease?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that supports the healthy functioning of the human body. It is one of the hormones responsible for the “flight or fight” response to dangerous situations, as well as to high levels of stress. Cortisol also helps maintain blood pressure levels; when cortisol levels are too low, it results in low blood pressure.
When the body does not produce sufficient levels of this hormone, the results can be fatal. However, overproduction of cortisol is also a serious concern. Cushing’s disease is a rare condition that occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. The disease is not precisely the same thing as Cushing’s syndrome.
