hormonal and metabolic disorders
Cushing Syndrome
Taking corticosteroids
) because of a serious medical condition. Corticosteroids are often used to treat many inflammatory, Overview of Allergic Reactions , and In addition to causing Cushing syndrome, taking large doses of corticosteroids also can suppress the function of the adrenal glands ( Adrenal Insufficiency ). This suppression occurs because corticosteroids signal the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to stop producing the hormones that normally stimulate adrenal function. Thus, if the person abruptly stops taking corticosteroids, the body cannot restore adrenal function quickly enough, and temporary adrenal insufficiency results. Also, when stress occurs, the body is not able to stimulate production of the additional corticosteroids that are needed. Therefore, doctors never stop the use of corticosteroids abruptly if people have been taking them for more than 2 or 3 weeks. Instead, doctors gradually reduce (taper) the dose over weeks and sometimes months. Also, the dose of corticosteroids may need to be increased in people who become ill or otherwise severely stressed while taking corticosteroids. Corticosteroid use may need to be resumed in people who become ill or otherwise severely stressed within weeks of having the corticosteroid tapered and stopped. 