What is Cushing's syndrome primarily caused by?

Cushing's syndrome is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. This excess cortisol can result from various underlying conditions, including the use of corticosteroid medications (often seen in chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases) or the body's overproduction of cortisol due to adrenal tumors or pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease).

In this syndrome, the excess cortisol leads to a range of clinical manifestations, including weight gain, central obesity, thin skin, easy bruising, and hypertension. Understanding the underlying mechanism of prolonged cortisol excess is crucial for recognizing the condition's symptoms and effectively managing it.

Other factors, such as autoimmune disorders, genetic mutations, and acute infections, can influence various health issues, but they do not primarily cause Cushing's syndrome. The key characteristic of this syndrome is the excessive hormone production or supplementation, which directly leads to the symptoms associated with the condition.