Cushing's Syndrome

Home Treatment

Home treatment for Cushing's syndrome consists of lifestyle changes to prevent weight gain, strengthen muscles and bones, and prevent complications.

• Eat a low-calorie, nutritious diet high in protein and calcium. This can help prevent muscle and bone loss caused by the high cortisol levels in your body. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to decrease bone loss. Ask your health professional whether you need medication to help slow bone loss. For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating.
• Limit salt (sodium) in your diet. This is especially important if you have high blood pressure, a complication of Cushing's syndrome.
• Get regular exercise to help maintain muscles and bone mass and prevent weight gain. To maintain muscle and bone mass, try weight-bearing exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, or lifting weights. To prevent weight gain, try aerobic exercise to increase your heart rate. Examples of aerobic exercise include fast walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. Consult your health professional before beginning any exercise program. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Avoid possible falls by removing loose rugs and other hazards from your home. Falling may lead to broken bones and other injuries.
• Pay close attention to all wounds. Too much cortisol slows wound healing. Clean all wounds immediately with antibacterial soap and use antibiotic ointment and dressings to prevent infection.
• Seek counselling if you need help dealing with changes in your body image.
• Get regular eye examinations to check for glaucoma and cataracts.
• See your health professional regularly to help diagnose and treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and other potential complications.

If you do not have Cushing's syndrome but are taking corticosteroid medications, talk to your health professional about whether you are at risk for developing the syndrome. Your health professional may reduce your dosage, treat your condition with a different medication, or prescribe a shorter-acting corticosteroid medication.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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