Signs and Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

Abstract

The most sensitive and specific test to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome is to measure cortisol levels in the saliva between 11:00 P.M. and midnight. A sample of saliva is collected in a small plastic container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In healthy people, cortisol levels are very low during this period of time. In contrast, patients with Cushing’s syndrome have high levels. Cortisol levels can also be measured in urine that has been collected over a 24-hour period. What is Cushing’s syndrome?