Cushing's syndrome is associated with excessively high levels of cortisol in the body. In this article, Anthony William explains how various symptoms and conditions are sometimes grouped under the definition of “Cushing's syndrome,” regardless of whether a pituitary gland cyst has actually been identified in the person.
True Cushing's syndrome is rarer than commonly assumed, and there are other reasons why cortisol levels may be elevated and symptoms resembling this condition may appear.
What causes Cushing's syndrome?
According to Medical Medium information, a prolonged viral infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is behind true Cushing's syndrome.
Anthony William reveals that EBV can lead to the formation of a cyst or tumor on or near the pituitary gland. As a result, the pituitary gland begins to produce an excessive amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
The increased amount of ACTH, in turn, stimulates the adrenal glands and often causes them to produce an excessive amount of cortisol.
It is this sequence—a viral infection, a growth in the pituitary region, increased ACTH production, and subsequent overproduction of cortisol—that Anthony William links to true Cushing's syndrome.
Helpful articles about the Epstein-Barr virus:
“Epstein-Barr Virus (Part One)”
“Epstein-Barr Virus (Part Two)”
“Thyroid Diseases – How It All Starts”
When high cortisol does not mean Cushing's syndrome
However, elevated cortisol levels do not always mean that a person has Cushing's syndrome.
Anthony William points out that in many cases the adrenal glands may already be producing excessive amounts of cortisol due to dietary and lifestyle factors.
Helpful articles about the adrenal glands:
“How Celery Juice Helps with Adrenal Gland Problems”
“Ashwagandha Strengthens the Adrenal Glands”
“10 Snacks for Healthy Adrenal Glands”
At the same time, a high-fat diet and a sluggish, overburdened liver can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, skin problems, and muscle loss – symptoms that can resemble Cushing's syndrome.
Thus, a person may exhibit a number of characteristic symptoms and have elevated cortisol without the cause necessarily being true Cushing's syndrome.
EBV, the pituitary gland, and elevated cortisol
The situation can be even more complex because the Epstein-Barr virus can create cysts and other growths on the pituitary gland or in the area around it that do not lead to increased ACTH production.
At the same time, the same viral infection can weaken and strain the liver, and cortisol levels may remain elevated for other reasons.
Thus, the presence of a growth around the pituitary in combination with high cortisol can create the impression that it is a case of Cushing's syndrome, even though, according to Medical Medium information, a different mechanism may be behind the symptoms.
What is the role of the liver?
Anthony William pays special attention to the connection between chronic viral infection, the liver, and the adrenal glands.
EBV, which creates a cyst or other growth in the pituitary region, can simultaneously reside in the liver, spleen, and other parts of the body.
The virus releases large amounts of neurotoxins that burden the central nervous system and can contribute to fatigue. This causes the adrenal glands to work harder and release more cortisol.
When the liver is also overburdened and weakened, it gradually loses its ability to effectively absorb excess amounts of cortisol and adrenaline.
As a result, excess stress hormones can remain in the bloodstream, which further complicates the picture.
Cushing's syndrome according to Medical Medium
According to Medical Medium information, with elevated cortisol levels, it is important to distinguish between true Cushing's syndrome and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
In true Cushing's syndrome, the root cause is an EBV issue that creates a cyst or tumor in the pituitary gland region, leading to excessive ACTH production and, consequently, overstimulation of the adrenal glands and increased cortisol release.
In other cases, high cortisol levels and symptoms resembling Cushing's can be linked to a combination of chronic viral infection, a taxed central nervous system, overworking adrenal glands, an overburdened liver, a high-fat diet, and lifestyle factors.
This distinction is at the heart of the information Medical Medium presents about Cushing's syndrome and hyperglucocorticism.
Coming soon: the article “Medical Medium Supplement Protocol for Cushing's Syndrome.”
