In people with Cushing's syndrome, the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Cortisol affects blood pressure and blood glucose, and it can cause inflammation. This inflammation means that people with this condition may have
This happens because your body is dealing with a change in its natural cortisol levels as the hormone works to reduce swelling and adjust how the immune system functions. When this happens, often called “moon face” (which is also a side-effect of Cushing's Syndrome), it can lead to a change in how everything looks.
Too much cortisol can cause some of the hallmark signs of Cushing syndrome — a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms and Causes of Moon Facies
Fat deposits in the sides of the skull can also make the face look rounder. A high release of hormones, especially cortisol, is a cause of moon face. This is called hyperadrenocorticism or hypercortisolism.
Removing the tumor can treat the condition, causing moon face to disappear. Some treatment options can also reduce moon face in people undergoing steroid treatment. These include: switching to a different steroid under the guidance of a doctor.
Once you stop taking corticosteroids, extra weight, water retention, and the puffiness of moon face will begin to go away. It can take about a year, though, for your body and face to return to their pre-corticosteroid states.
Fluid retention is one of prednisone's most famous side effects. “'Moon face' is common, which is swelling in the face that can occur after you've been on steroids for a long time,” Dr. Ford notes. “You can also get swelling in the legs and midsection.”
Medications to control excessive production of cortisol at the adrenal gland include ketoconazole, mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone). Mifepristone (Korlym, Mifeprex) is approved for people with Cushing syndrome who have type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance.
Overdoing it on carbs and salty foods can cause your body to hold in extra fluid, which makes you look and feel bloated. "Most changes in the face are from water retention," explained Cynthia Sass, RD, Health's contributing nutrition editor.
Increased facial fat is typically due to weight gain. It may also be as a result of water retention, which can make the face appear puffy or swollen. Making changes to a person's diet and lifestyle can help support weight management and prevent excess facial fat.
Common signs and symptoms of higher-than-normal cortisol levels include: Weight gain, especially in your face and abdomen. Fatty deposits between your shoulder blades. Wide, purple stretch marks on your abdomen (belly).
Cortisol blockers are medications that decrease the amount of cortisol in your body. These medications are necessary to treat health conditions like Cushing's syndrome. However, some people use them as a dietary supplement for weight loss and muscle building.
Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration also helps to keep cortisol levels lower.
Remember magnesium will help lower cortisol, if you do not have adequate levels of magnesium your body cannot relax and remove excess cortisol. Start by taking some at diner and before bed.
Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland that leads to inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of vital body functions. Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse, speech is slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy.
A Swollen Face Is One Of Many Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
A swollen face is one of the common Hypothyroidism Symptoms that people experience. A swollen face that is caused by low thyroid function is often referred to by medical professionals as “myxoedema.”