Changes in hair growth may be a sign of Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome develops due to chronically elevated levels of cortisol in the blood. This hormone has a multifaceted effect on the body, including the hair follicles. Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia about the manifestations of the syndrome and the causes of its occurrence on September 4.

One of the key signs of Cushing's syndrome is abnormal hair growth, or hirsutism. In women, it is manifested by the appearance of coarse dark hair in places more typical for men: above the upper lip, on the chin, chest, back and in the upper abdomen. Paradoxically, at the same time, thinning and loss of hair on the head can occur, associated with the weakening of hair follicles under the influence of excess cortisol.

"In addition to changes in hair growth, Cushing's syndrome has a number of other striking symptoms. For example, the redistribution of adipose tissue to the abdominal area, a moon-shaped (round, puffy) face, the appearance of purple—purple stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen and thighs, a steady increase in blood pressure, muscle weakness and osteoporosis," the doctor said.

Patients have increased capillary fragility, which is manifested by frequent gratuitous bruising.

Closer to the body: the demand for telemedicine consultations has increased one and a half times

Without an in-person visit to a doctor, online visits can harm your health, experts have warned

The causes of Cushing's syndrome are diverse. The condition is most often associated with prolonged use of high doses of glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory drugs. Among other causes, pituitary adenoma, a benign neoplasm of the brain that produces excess cortisol, can be considered the leading cause. Less often, the cause is tumors of the adrenal glands. Hair growth is stimulated by an excess of androgens, the release of which provokes cortisol.

However, similar changes in hair growth can be caused by other conditions.

Hirsutism is a frequent companion of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), in which hormonal imbalance is also observed. Hair loss on the head may be associated with androgenetic alopecia, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, or severe stress.

"Comprehensive diagnostics is of key importance: assessment of cortisol, androgens and 11-deoxycortisol levels, as well as MRI of the pituitary gland and adrenal glands to identify the source of the problem," the doctor clarifies.

If you experience symptoms related to hair loss or changes in hair quality, you should consult an endocrinologist. Early diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is the key to successful treatment and prevention of its severe complications.

On July 30, Alexandra Fileva, an expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia that if there are no holes on the nails, it is worth checking the heart. In addition, a similar situation can occur with atherosclerosis, when cholesterol deposits reduce the lumen of blood vessels and make their walls more rigid.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.