[ScarletPimpernel]

I was wondering if anyone could help clarify the difference between PCOS and Cushings?

I have some symptoms of each, but not all the symptoms of either (and my period is completely regular). My cortisol and testosterone levels are really elevated, but the rest of my hormones are fine. And my doctors have found a pituitary tumor (it's to small to be affecting me), and only one ovarian tumor (which isn't growing).

I just don't understand why my doctors aren't taking my hormone problems seriously considering I also have mental health issues.

[Little Lulu]

PCOS and Cushings are both complex endocrine and metabolic disorders. If you aren't already, maybe a consult with an endocrinologist would be helpful. If you already are seeing one, maybe a second opinion is needed.

[kiwi33]

I agree with Little Lulu that talking with (another?) clinical endocrinologist is a good idea.

Writing as biomedical but not clinical health professional:

Cushing's syndrome refers to a number of signs which reflect elevated cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol is a known side-effect of taking prescription corticosteroid medication. Elevated cortisol can also arise elevated levels of ACTH, which "tells" the adrenal glands to make cortisol - your pituitary and ovarian tumours may be relevant here - measurements of your blood ACTH level could be of diagnostic value.

PCOS is less well understood. Its signs include elevated levels of male sex hormones, like testosterone. Possible causative factors include high insulin levels, low grade inflammation and genetics is a risk factor for it. To my knowledge elevated cortisol is not thought to be important.

I hope that this information helps you to ask your clinical endocrinologist(s) *lots* of questions.

[ScarletPimpernel]

Ty. I have a blood test tomorrow, so I emailed my doctor to see if he would include the ACTH level (I've never had that one measured).