High Cortisol or Something More? Understanding Cushing’s Syndrome

A lot of us have heard about “high cortisol” in the context of stress. But Cushing’s syndrome, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It’s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with Lewis Blevins, MD, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing’s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers
• Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD

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