Metabolic Syndrome vs Cushing Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions - increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol - that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Cushing Syndrome: A condition of excess cortisol in the body causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and a rounded face.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome.
Symptoms of each condition
Metabolic Syndrome
Abdominal Fat
Excess fat concentrated around the abdomen, which is a component of metabolic syndrome....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Hypertension
The presence of chronic increased pressure in the systemic arterial system....
Increased body weight
Abnormally increased body weight....
Cushing Syndrome
Abdominal Fat
Excess fat concentrated around the abdomen, which is a component of metabolic syndrome....
Hypertension
The presence of chronic increased pressure in the systemic arterial system....
Increased body weight
Abnormally increased body weight....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Rounded Face
A round, puffy appearance of the face, which can be a feature of excess cortisol....
Skin Stretch Marks
Purple or red streaks on the skin, which can be a feature of excess cortisol or rapid weight change....
How Metabolic Syndrome may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Metabolic Syndrome.
Cardiac Health & Cholesterol
Fast, easy & affordable heart health and cholesterol lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. S...
Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests
Our standard health test panel includes thyroid testing, a CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, & Lipid Panel. These lab test...
Cholesterol & Lipid Test Panels
A complete cholesterol test (a lipid panel or lipid profile) is a blood test that can measure the amount of ty...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Fasting Glucose
Measures blood sugar after fasting to screen for diabetes and prediabetes....
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Reflects average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months....
Lipid Panel
Measures cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions - increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol - that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Cushing Syndrome: A condition of excess cortisol in the body causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and a rounded face. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Abdominal Fat, Hypertension, Increased body weight, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing Syndrome investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Cardiac Health & Cholesterol, Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests, Cholesterol & Lipid Test Panels, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Fasting Glucose. Test selection is a clinical decision.