Cushing's Syndrome

​Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body consistently produces too much cortisol.
It was first diagnosed in 1912 by an American neurosurgeon, Harvey Cushing.
Whilst many of us have episodes of producing too much cortisol, such as during periods of stress, we also need cortisol to regulate our blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and immune system.
The over-production of cortisol can be as a result of prolonged steroid treatment or a fault in the body’s on regulation system such as a pituitary gland tumour or adrenal gland tumour (technically if it is a pituitary tumour then it is Cushing’s disease rather than syndrome). More women than men experience it, and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30-40 years.
There are a number of symptoms including: weight gain around the trunk, muscle weakness (particularly legs), roundness in the face, bone weakness, high blood pressure, bruising, irregular periods, mood swings, more prone to infections.
Reflexology works to balance hormones in the body particularly the pituitary and adrenal glands. It also helps to reduce stress and improves circulation, thereby maintaining blood pressure.