Woman’s Weight Gain Linked to Rare Condition, Not Relationship Comfort
A woman initially attributed her unexplained weight gain and other symptoms to feeling cozy in her relationship, only to discover she was suffering from Cushing’s disease – a rare hormonal disorder. Now,she’s urging others to advocate for their health and seek medical attention for unusual changes,even if dismissed by others.
For years, Sarah, who wished to remain anonymous, experienced fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and changes to her appearance. Initially, she and her partner chalked it up to settling into a comfortable routine.Tho, as symptoms worsened – including a rounded face and skin that bruised easily – she began to suspect something more serious.”I just put it down to being happy and comfortable, but it was getting to the point where I couldn’t ignore it,” she explained. After repeated visits to doctors who initially dismissed her concerns, Sarah finally received a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease, caused by a tumor on her pituitary gland.
Cushing’s disease affects approximately 10 to 15 people per million each year, according to the National institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The condition occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a prolonged period. Symptoms can vary widely, making diagnosis challenging, and frequently enough mimic other conditions. Left untreated, Cushing’s can lead to serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.
“Even if you do have the symptoms and you don’t have Cushing’s it could lead to something else you never thought it would be,” sarah said. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. “Get checked out because it’s your body, you know what’s right and wrong. Don’t let anybody tell you differently because they are not in your body and they don’t know what’s normal to you.”
Sarah is now undergoing treatment and sharing her story to raise awareness about Cushing’s disease and encourage others to prioritize their health.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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