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 doctor whether you need medicine 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 doctor 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 counseling if you need help dealing with changes in your body image.
• Get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma and cataracts.
• See your doctor 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 medicines, talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk for developing the syndrome. Your doctor may reduce your dosage, treat your condition with a different medicine, or prescribe a shorter-acting corticosteroid medicine.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: April 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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