Difference Between Addison's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome

Cortisol Disorders: Addison’s vs Cushing’s | Causes & Management

Cushing syndrome and Addison’s disease both relate to issues in the adrenal gland. These glands are found in the upper part of your kidney and regulate blood pressure and metabolism. One of the main differences between the two conditions is that Cushing’s syndrome causes excessive cortisol production, while Addison’s disease causes a lack of cortisol.

Key Differences Between Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome

Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences between the two conditions:

Defining Cushing’s Syndrome

Hypercortisolism, or Cushing's syndrome, as we now know, causes excessive cortisol production. The cortisol hormone mainly helps your body manage stress. However, excessive amounts can lead to serious health risks, such as heart attack, infections, depression, weight gain and blood clots.

Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

People affected by Cushing’s syndrome exhibit several symptoms. However, these symptoms vary across people. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Excessive hair growth
• Purple stretch marks
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• High blood pressure
• Round or moon face
• Buffalo hump
   

Treating Cushing’s Syndrome

Doctors treat Cushing's syndrome after identifying the underlying issues causing high cortisol levels. For example, if it is caused by glucocorticoids, a type of medicine, your doctor may ask you to stop consuming them.

On the other hand, if a tumour is causing the syndrome, your doctor may suggest medicines, chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

Defining Addison’s Disease

Unlike Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease is a chronic condition where your body does not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones manage your stress and sodium levels in your body. A lack of it can push you towards serious health issues. People suffering from autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome are most likely to develop this disease.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

If you are affected by Addison’s disease, your adrenal glands may worsen slowly. Therefore, symptoms may not occur all at once. The symptoms to look for are:

• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycaemia
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Hyperpigmentation
• Abnormal periods
   

Treating Addison’s Disease

Since your body fails to produce the hormones, doctors treat the disease by synthetically replacing them. However, this replacement therapy does not cure this disease. You need to take medications for the rest of your life.

Doctors replace cortisol with hydrocortisone and aldosterone with fludrocortisone. Their dosages differ from person to person.

Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease are both related to the production of cortisol in your adrenal gland. However, they are different in ways that affect the human body. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor for an early diagnosis. Cushing’s syndrome, if left untreated, can be fatal.