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Everyone has a different face shape. Some are oval, slightly square, to round. A round face is often considered unique and adorable, because it is usually accompanied by chubby cheeks. But make no mistake, a round face can turn out to be one of the hallmarks of Cushing's syndrome. In fact, what is meant by Cushing's syndrome?
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing syndrome or Cushing's syndrome is a condition when there is an increase in the level of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, can have a variety of causes.
Taking too much corticosteroid medication for a long period of time is believed to be the main cause of this syndrome. On the other hand, it turns out that there are several conditions that trigger the body to produce large amounts of the hormone cortisol.
The hormone cortisol in the body can increase rapidly due to stress, severe depression, alcoholism, malnutrition, and frequent strenuous physical activity.
Why does Cushing's syndrome cause a round face shape?
One of the typical symptoms caused by Cushing's syndrome is a round face. Unlike people who are born with a round face, the face shape of a person with this syndrome will usually change accordingly.
This condition occurs because fat accumulates in several parts of the body, such as the face, shoulders, waist and upper back. As a result, this area of the body appears to be enlarged, including the face that is getting rounder.
In addition, there are still some other signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, namely:
- Weight gain
- Skin bruises easily
- Purplish red stretch marks appear on the breasts, arms, stomach, and thighs
- Acne
- The wound is difficult to heal
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Easy to get angry
- Depression
- Frequent thirst
- Excess anxiety
- Headache
- Decreased cognitive function
- Bone loss
- Urinating frequently
- Glucose intolerance
- Insomnia
The effect of this syndrome on women can also result in irregular menstruation, even hair growth in the facial area and some parts of the body tends to be heavier and thicker. Meanwhile, in men, this syndrome can cause erectile dysfunction (impotence), low sexual desire, and decreased fertility.
If it is experienced by children, it will certainly interfere with growth and have the risk of causing obesity from an early age.
How to treat it?
Before doing treatment, the doctor will first confirm the presence of Cushing's syndrome by conducting an initial examination. The diagnosis includes a complete physical examination, monitoring of medical history based on symptoms, urine cortisol test, and so on.
If the result is positive, the treatment will be adjusted based on the original cause. For example, the reason you have this syndrome is because you take excessive steroid medication, then regulating taking steroid medication could be the right way.
The doctor will also prescribe the needs of the drug according to your body's condition, and make sure you take the drug according to the recommended schedule and dosage.
On the other hand, tumor growth in the body can be another cause of the appearance of Cushing's syndrome. Initial examination must be done to determine the location of the tumor in the body, so that it can determine the next treatment action.
