A lot of us have heard about “high cortisol” in the context of stress. But Cushing’s syndrome, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It’s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with Lewis Blevins, MD, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing’s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD

<p>A lot of us have heard about &ldquo;high <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol?ref=ro" data-testid="linkable-text">cortisol</a>&rdquo; in the context of stress. But <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cushing-syndrome" data-testid="linkable-text">Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome</a>, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It&rsquo;s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with <a href="https://pituitaryworldnews.org/about-us/lewis-blevins-md/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lewis Blevins, MD</a>, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.</p>
<p>Credits</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.