Dr. Friedman first published in 2010 in Hormones and Metabolic Research that most patients with Cushing’s disease are episodic, which means they only have high cortisol values some of the time, with normal or low values at other times. Some Endocrinologists still don’t believe this and erroneously tell patients they don’t have Cushing’s if one test is normal. Dr. Friedman does multiple testing for Cushing’s and instructs his patients to test when in a high. Patients describe the following issues as things they tend to experience in a “high” phase which include:
- Wired at night
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Anxiety increase/mood swings/irritability
- Euphoria/more energy than usual
- Very few aches and pains
- Tasks seem easier
- Insomnia/inability to stay or fall asleep.
- Energy levels that “perk up” after sunset.
- “Speed talking” – mind is going faster than your brain can process the thoughts to speak them.
- Water weight gain – edema
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar if diabetic