May 9, 2026
MaryO
Addison's Disease, Adrenal, Adrenal Surgery, Ectopic, Pituitary Surgery, Thyroid, Treatments
Addison's disease, adrenal gland, adrenal glands, adrenals, bilateral adrenalectomy, BLA, Blood test, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cortisol, cushing, Cushing Syndrome, DI, diabetes insipidus, fatigue, headache, Health, Ketoconazole, Mass General, migraines, mood swings, muscle weakness, pituitary surgery, surgery, sweating, thyroid, UFC, urine, weight
I was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome in June 1999. At that time my urine cotisol level was 342.
Prior to being diagnosed I suffered for over 7 years with severe migraine headaches. I also had gained 80 lbs, had a moon face, buffalo hump, mood swings, severe fatigue (could sleep 20 out of 24 hours a day), aweful sweats day and night, weak muscles, thyroid disease.
I had pituitary surgery at Mass General because my state didn’t do that type of surgery. After surgery, my levels were still elevated and I was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus.
When I returned home I underwent more tests ie. blood work, 24 hour urines. This continued for another year and during that time my endo put me on Ketakonazal in an attempt to lower my cotisol level to no avail. The medication just messed up my stomache.
In 2000 I had surgery again this time I had both adrenal glands removed. still no tumor had been found. That’s when the worst news of all came. I was told I had Ectopic Cushings Syndrome and had 5 years to live. The reason for this if you my not know is 50% of ectopic tumors end up being small cell lung cancer.
I was also diagnosed with Addison’s disease because of no more adrenals. Today it has been 13 years since my adrenal surgery and I am still alive and no cancer!
May 9, 2026
MaryO
Undiagnosed
Buffalo hump, cushing's syndrome, depression, Health, Low-carbohydrate diet, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Stretch marks, Symptom, tired, Weight Watchers
i am not sure that i have cushings yet, as i have just made my first appointment to discuss this with my dr.
I first noticed a small hump on my back about a year ago, but just assumed it was poor posture. (yes, i tend to slouch a lot).But, i have been gaining weight steadily, despite weight watchers, low carb diets, trying to exercise regularly (difficult when you are so tired you can hardly get off the couch) (i assumed this was due to depression). i’ve gained about 40 pounds over the past year. I realize this doesnt sound like a lot , when some people with this disease gain that in a couple of months, but ive always been able to lose really easily.
I dont have stretch marks either, but i have so many other side effects listed (the buffalo hump it seems distinguishes this from a lot of other things. im really scared that ill have this disease, but on the other hand, at least i’d know what is happening to me. I just cant get a hold on my own body. its so awful.
I dont know who to ask, but is there any other disease that has similar symptoms AND a hump?
May 9, 2026
MaryO
Undiagnosed
anxiety, Blood test, Buffalo hump, cushing's syndrome, exhaustion, fused cervical vertebrae, headache, Health, hirsuitism, leukemia, Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, plastic surgery, Stretch marks, Weight gain
Hello all,
I’ve been looking at this board for a little while as my 17 year old daughter developed a buffalo hump last November. She’s not overweight at all but does carry a lot more weight than the rest of our family around her middle and chest. She’s a different build entirely. Her arms, legs and hips are relatively skinny in comparison to her mid section, though she does have very long legs so perhaps that’s natural too. She’s tried to tone up but the weight does not come off easily.
The hump looks weird! It sticks out a lot. Her neck used to be flat/straight down. I’ve looked at old photos to compare.
I have 3 other children, a 21 year old son who recently discovered he has fused cervical vertebrae in his neck which has been the source of his pain for the past few years (there since birth apparently), a 14 year old daughter who is healthy and a 12 year old son who was diagnosed with Leukaemia last August (he’s doing very well)
My daughter’s been referred to a plastic surgeon for hump removal since it causes her pain and looks ugly. At first we were told it was a lipoma, nothing to worry about, but the plastic surgeon wanted to check with a senior doctor since it was not just a lipoma but a buffalo hump. I’m waiting for an appointment to hear the outcome of her enquiry to the senior doctor but I spoke to her secretary the other day and apparently they are not worried about it. An MRI has shown that it is indeed a fatty lump.
She’s had no blood tests or any tests at all. She does not take any kind of steroid medication.
Her symptoms are:
the hump
daily headaches
severe anxiety
occasional exhaustion
occasional throbbing/aching in or around the hump
weight gain around her stomach/chest
She does not have:
thinning skin
stretch marks
excessive thirst
excessive hairyness
I’m worried since two of my other children have recently been diagnosed with quite rare conditions. Normally I would say the chances are that it’s a fattty lump that just happened to appear there, liposuction it off, job done. However the odds have not been in my favour this past year! What if she does have a tumour somewhere? that’s my worry and things are moving too slowly for my liking. Next appt with plastic surgeon is 24th April.
I will post some photos of her and maybe some of you can tell me what you think. I can’t see any fat pads at the front but I’m not entirely sure what I’m looking for.
I’ve made an appt with my GP for 21st March to ask him to refer her for tests.
Thanks for reading my bio!
May 8, 2026
MaryO
Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, pseudotumor cerebri, Rathke's Cleft Cyst, Treatments
Adrenal insufficiency, bladder, Blood test, Buffalo hump, Cleft lip and palate, Conditions and Diseases, Cushing Syndrome, depression, Dexamethasone, Diamox, dilated aorta, Health, high cholesterol, hirsuitism, hydronephrosis, hypertension, immune suppression, irritability, Magnetic resonance imaging, moodiness, moonface, muscle weakness, pertussis, pituitary cyst, pseudotumor cerebri, Rathke's cleft cyst, Stretch marks, striae, surgery, weight
I am really not sure where to start! I have struggled with medical issues my entire life. I am 25 born with many anomalies–bladder, cleft lip/cleft palate, dilated aorta, hydronephrosis…the list really goes on and on. Thankfully, I have had great doctors and everything is under control until recently.
I had my first appointment with my new endocrinologist. She listened to my history that I highlighted for her and she actually took the time to *think* about me and all of my little medical issues. It was great to see her brain trying to piece things together. When she was doing my exam, she gently touched my shoulders and made a comment that my shoulders were holding a lot of weight. I said that I’ve noticed and that it makes me feel that I look like a football player. She told me that it isn’t that bad, but then asked me if I have stretch marks on my body. I told her that I do and that I’ve actually noticed that they are getting worse and deeper than usual. She looked at my belly and she said that she wants to get my checked for Cushings Syndrome.
She asked if I was on any steroids, and I am not, but I did have a pituitary cyst in 2008 that was surgically drained (specifically a Rathke’s Cleft Cyst). From what I’ve learned, whenever a doctor works near the pituitary there is a risk that hormones will be effected. This may be what is happening to me.
Last April 2012, I was also diagnosed with a pseudotumor cerebri. It is basically under control and I am on Diamox for it. These are my symptoms for why I really think I have cushings:
» Extreme weight gain
» Moodiness, irritability, or depression
» Muscle weakness– my leg muscles get tired very easily, even just walking a few blocks. It feels like I have shin splints, at times!
» Hypertension–possibly, but undetected because of I am on meds for other heart anomalies.
» Immune suppression– a possible reason why I got pertussis (whooping cough) during the end of 2012 even after being given the vaccine
» Hirsutism–embarassing, but true
» Hypercholesterolemia–to the point that I am on a medication for it
» stretch marks
» “moon face”–it isn’t too bad, but it is noticable.
» the storage of fat on my shoulders/back
Today I got my blood tested with the dexamethasone. I don’t know how long I have to wait for results, but I am really fighting urges to call my MD immediately. I found this board because I need support. I am nervous for what my future holds because I really don’t want to have ANOTHER brain surgery, but I think all that I can do it be positive and wait. Thanks for this forum!!
May 7, 2026
MaryO
Diabetes, Hashimoto's, PCOS
Blood test, Buffalo hump, cushing, cushing's syndrome, Endocrinology, Hashimoto's, Middle East, moonface, Nasonex, PCOS, Polycystic ovary syndrome, sweating, thyroid
In seeing an endocrinologist about normalizing my thyroid levels (Hashimoto’s), he became suspicious of Cushing’s.
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 with a suspected onset of 13-14. We’ve done one blood test that came back further pointing to Cushing’s along with the signs & symptoms (i.e. buffalo hump, moon face, sweating, ruddy complexion, etc…). I will be seeing another endocrinologist in the near future (current one is closing his practice & moving to the Middle East) to confirm a diagnosis of Cushing’s.
If I do have Cushing’s it has to be endogenous, as I do not take any steroid mediations that are known to cause exogenous Cushing’s. I take Nasonex periodically, but not any more than I absolutely have to & I’m told that is too small a dose to be a problem.
Wish me luck in getting answers.
May 7, 2026
MaryO
Diabetes, Hashimoto's, Undiagnosed
ACTH, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, biopsy, Blood test, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cortisol, cushing's syndrome, Endocrine Disorders, eyes, fat, fatigue, goiter, hair, Hashimoto's, headache, Health, hirsuitism, insulin resistance, muffin top, nodule, osteopenia, pain, saliva, sleep, Thyroid scan, UFC, urinalysis, Victoza, weight, X-ray computed tomography
I have been seeing the endo for the last couple of weeks. Lots of blood tests, saliva test, 24 hour urine test. Thyroid scan, with nodules, thyroid biopsy benign, small goiter,and diagnosed with hashimoto.
Currently type 2 diabetic fairly controlled with Victoza, but very insulin resistance. First blood tests showed high cortisol, high ACTH, second series of blood tests showed normal to high cortisol and still high ACTH. Doctor said possible cushings. Have had extreme fatigue, beard on chin. Muscle and bone pain consistently. Wake up with headache and extreme fatigue.Bone scan diagnosed with osteopenia. Appt. with endo tomorrow to get results of 24 hr. urine test. Salavia test said was normal.
Have problems with sleep, sleep all day off and on, or have days when I cannot go to sleep at all. She said that I had the hump, muffin top, and belly fat, lean arms and legs. Eyes are puffy all the time now. Have problems losing weight even though I eat healthy all the time, and have excluded gluten, sugar, and going to go diary free. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit as well as a little protein. Have not had a mri or cat scan yet. Probably will be next on the list. Will post after my doctor’s appt. tomorrow and update my bio.
I have a lot of symptoms of cushings and she mentioned this with my second doctors visit after the first series of blood test, but wanted to do other tests to make sure.
May 6, 2026
MaryO
Adrenal Insufficiency, Pituitary, Pituitary Surgery, radiation, Treatments
Adrenal insufficiency, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cushing, cushing's syndrome, cyber knife, Endocrine Disorders, gamma knife, Health, hydrocortisone, hypertension, Megace, moonface, Pancreatitis, pituitary, radiation, striae, surgery
I was dianosed with Cushing’s Disease in 1998. At the time I looked like a textbook case. Moon face, buffalo hump, wasted extremities, straiea, hypertension, pancreatitis. Had resectioning of pituitary in 1998 but had reoccurance in 2002 at which time I had the cyber knife gamma radiation treatment.
Now no cushing’s but I have adrenal insufficiency from the treatment and have to take replacement hydrocortisone and I also take Megace. I have been sick lately and don’t have a very good Endo so I have many questions and I am seeking feedback from others who have post-Cushing’s complications. I want to continue to be active and productive and hope to learn from and also share with others.
May 5, 2026
MaryO
Hypothyroidism, PCOS, Undiagnosed
acne, Alopecia, Buffalo hump, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Conditions and Diseases, cushing's syndrome, dex test, dexamethasone suppression test, fatigue, hair loss, Health, heat intolerance, hirsuitism, hypothyroidism, irregular periods, metformin, mood swings, PCOS, Polycystic ovary syndrome, shingles, Stretch marks, striae, thyroxine, Weight gain
Hi there,
I’m not really sure where to start! I’m 22, and work full time (10-12 hour shifts) as a porter in the operating department of a city centre hospital- so i’m very very active, constantly walking/lifting/carrying on a daily basis.
I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue when i was 13 after a bout of severe flu/repeated shingles infections, and never really recovered, but i was gradually well enough to live a more or less normal teenage life. I have never struggled with my weight (a constant 9 stone at 5 foot 5), until a year ago, when i suddenly started suffering from extreme weight gain (7 stone in 10 months), fatigue, acne, mood swings, hair loss where there should be hair/hair growth where there shouldn’t be, stria, irregular periods (and when they arrive they’re incredibly heavy, buffalo hump, heat intolerance and all manner of horrible symptoms.
I’ve been diagnosed after tests and ultrasounds with PCOS and hypothyroidism, and am currently being treated with 75mg thyroxine (to be increased), and am due to start on metformin.
There’s been very little improvement in how i feel, and after a pretty horrible meeting with the endo, in which all she really did was call me fat, tell me to stop the late night trips to mcdonalds (I’M VEGAN! mcdonalds is pretty much the antichrist to us!) and refer me to the dietician. i felt really let down and all i could do was try to hold the tears in until i got back to the car.
she didn’t seem to realise that for a 22 year old woman to be feeling more like a 90 year old, is a pretty horrific experience. but i digress…
i’m due to be tested for cushings in a few days time with the low dose dexamethasone, and i know this is awful to say, but i’d jump for joy knowing what’s going on with my body at last.
although i know i have pcos and an underactive thyroid, i just know that there’s something else going on with me, and unfortunately my consultant just won’t listen to me.
my social life has disapeared, i just feel too goddam ill, not to mention my incredibly unsupportive boss, who seems to want to make my life a living hell because i’ve had to take a lot of time off work- she even screamed at me until i cried when i collapsed at work one day. i’ve actually taken to hiding in the toilets in the afternoon to have a nap, and to regroup, just so i can get through the day. never mind that i’m a 22 year old who has gained 7 stone in under a year- it’s hard to feel great about myself!!!
anyway, hopefully one day i’ll find out what’s wrong with me
this was me last year:
and this is me now:
quite a difference huh?! and apologie for the poor fashion sense!
anyway, wish me luck, and and my best wishes for everyone going through diagnoses/treatment for any health issues, we’ll get there in the end 🙂
May 5, 2026
MaryO
Undiagnosed
Arkansas, bloodwork, bruising, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cushing's syndrome, depression, fatigue, hair loss, Health, libido, night sweats, sleep doctor, Stretch marks, Weight gain
I am a 32 year old female in Arkansas.
I have not yet been diagnosed with a disease but highly suspect I have Cushings. Over the past 3-4 years I have developed a Buffalo Hump, lost my libido, have drenching night sweats every night, fatigued during the day, tire easily when I excercise, my hair is thinning rapidly, suffer from periods of depression, bruise easily, heal slowly, and scar easily. I also have these little bumps on my arms and torso as well as stretch marks on my sides and upper thighs. I have never had a weight problem but the past couple of years I have gained 70+lbs and have had little luck losing weight and/or keeping it off.
Every time I go to the doctor they do a blood panel and always come back with the same answer “Everything is fine”. EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE!!!!!!!!
I recently was referred to a sleep doctor and during my appointment yesterday I told the doctor I feel like I might have Cushings and need to see an Endocrinologist. I finally got my referral and hope I am on the road to a diagnosis of some sort and an explanation for what is going on with me!
May 5, 2026
MaryO
Adrenal, Cyclic, Pseudo-Cushing's
ACTH, adenoma, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, anxiety, Bone, bone scan, brain, Buffalo hump, Conditions and Diseases, cortisol, CT scan, cushing, cushing's syndrome, DHEA, fatigue, fluid retention, Health, heart palpitations, irritability, Magnetic resonance imaging, moonface, MRI, night sweats, NIH, pituitary, weight
Hi!
I have provided a timeline of my Cushing’s related tests and symptoms.
Symptoms since 1994
Diagonsed: August 2012
Surgery: August 2012
Other Key Dates/Symptoms:
1993-2009: NIght sweats, heart palpitations, difficult losing weight, anxiety
2010:
+Kaiser Acupuncturist checked DHEA levels. Lowest she had ever seen.
+Referred to Kaiser endocrinologist (Dr. Lee)
+ACTH Very low
+Cortisol moderately high
+Abdomen CT showed 2 cm growth (Mis-read as possible cancer by radiologist)
+MRI showed possible small brain adenoma
+Referred to NIH
+Labs normal
+Reviewed MRI/ CT. CT showed 2 cm adenoma (benign) and no brain adenoma. (They said Kaiser overead the MRI and were sure about the CT not showing any cancerous characteristics)
+Initial diagnosis: Psuedo Cushing’s and revised to Cyclical Cushings
2012
+Increased symptoms. Weight gain, hump, fluid retention, moon face, fatigue, irritability
+NIH follow up showed high cortisol (confirmed 2X), low DHEA, low ACTH
+Suppression test confirmed Cushing’s Syndrome
+Bone scan showed 25% bone density loss in 3 years.
+Diagnosis: “Sub Clinical” Cushing’s Syndrome (borderline…I don’t “look” like Cushiing’s unless you compare before and after photos.
+Repeat CT confirmed benign 2 cm adenoma (no growth)
+Surgery scheduled for Aug 27, 2012. Re-scheduled for Aug 29, 2012.
Hope this helps!
Feel free to contact me,
MaidM
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