What Is Cushing's Disease?
2. Cushing’s Disease Causes
The pituitary glands normally produce the adrenocorticotropic hormone, which then in turn stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal gland. Some people develop a benign pituitary tumor that also secretes ACTH, leading to higher cortisol production and Cushing’s disease.
Occasionally, individuals get more than one tumor or a very large one on their pituitary gland, which further increases ACTH production and consequently leads to even higher amounts of cortisol. With very large tumors, there is also a risk of additional complicating symptoms.
