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How Functional Medicine Practitioners Approach Cushing’s Disease

Why This Was Updated?

Our specialists regularly review advancements in health and wellness, ensuring our articles are updated with the newest information as it becomes accessible.
Medically Reviewed by

Cushing's disease is a rare type of Cushing’s syndrome caused by a non-cancerous pituitary tumor that leads to excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), resulting in high cortisol levels. This disrupts normal cortisol rhythms, potentially causing serious health issues and even early death if untreated. 

Surgery is typically the primary treatment, but medications and radiation therapy can also help manage the disease. 

However, untreated Cushing’s disease can cause many chronic health issues. At appropriate amounts, cortisol is necessary for our survival, but too much cortisol causes major health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, bone health problems, metabolic conditions like diabetes, chronic mood disorders, and others. 

This is where functional medicine practitioners shine. Functional medicine is an individualized approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, considering factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle. Functional medicine practitioners use specialized lab tests to guide treatment. 

Practitioners are licensed healthcare providers, including medical doctors (MD), naturopathic doctors (ND/NMD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), nurse practitioners (NP), chiropractors (DC), and other licensed professionals. 

Functional medicine practitioners use an individualized approach, considering factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle to manage and potentially recover from chronic conditions caused by Cushing’s disease.  They use specialized lab tests and personalized treatment plans that include diet, lifestyle, supplements, and other therapies.

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Understanding Cushing’s Disease from a Functional Medicine Perspective

Functional medicine practitioners understand the connection between the body, mind, and lifestyle. They consider factors like stress, diet, and environment that affect health in their patient’s diagnosis and treatment. By viewing patients holistically, they can identify potential root causes, confirm them with testing, and create personalized health plans. 

Treating Cushing’s disease involves collaborating with an endocrinologist, surgeon, and other specialists to remove the pituitary tumor causing high cortisol levels. Once cortisol levels are normalized, a functional medicine practitioner can help with long-term assessment and management of health issues caused by excess cortisol.

Cushing’s disease patients can develop many chronic conditions from excessive and prolonged cortisol exposure, including:

Holistic View of Health

A holistic health view considers the interconnectedness of body, mind, and lifestyle, aiming for balance beyond just the absence of disease. 

In Cushing’s disease, maintaining healthy cortisol levels post-tumor removal is necessary for full healing. This requires attention to diet, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors. Functional medicine providers use tests like the adrenal stress index, stool, food sensitivity, and melatonin testing to identify health-impacting areas, enabling a collaborative, evidence-based approach to long-term wellness.

The Root Cause Approach

After initial Cushing’s disease treatment, which typically involves surgical removal of the pituitary tumor, cortisol levels are monitored to return to normal. Excessive cortisol exposure can cause long-lasting health issues that persist even after successful treatment. 

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes of persistent symptoms through comprehensive assessments, including hormone levels, cortisol rhythm, cardiovascular and metabolic health, gut function, and toxin exposure. This approach targets root causes to optimize health and achieve lasting outcomes.

Individualized Care

Functional medicine practitioners use a detailed medical and family history, lifestyle assessment, and diagnostic tests to create personalized treatment plans that consider the individual’s genetic makeup, medical history, and specific symptoms, aligning care with the patient's unique health goals for more effective management of Cushing’s disease complications.

Functional Medicine Diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease

People new to functional medicine often wonder about the process of seeing a functional medicine provider. While each provider has her or his own way of establishing relationships and optimizing their patients’ health, you can expect that these areas will be covered: 

Comprehensive Patient History

Expect your provider to spend time asking you questions about your medical history, your family history, and your treatment for Cushing’s disease.  They will want to know what other medical conditions you may have, as well as all medications and treatments you’re currently receiving. 

They will ask you about your lifestyle, inducing a thorough analysis of your diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and any environmental exposures to chemicals, molds or toxins that may block your body’s ability to fully heal. 

Most importantly, they will ask about your health goals. This may be new to you, but knowing your health goals helps your doctor tailor your treatment plan more effectively.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Once your functional medicine provider understands your medical history and health goals, they will recommend specific testing to tailor your treatment plan to quickly and effectively reach your goals. 

Tests that may be considered include:

Adrenal Stress Index:

The Adrenal Stress Index measures cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day to evaluate adrenal gland function and stress response. This test is essential for long-term care in people recovering from Cushing's disease because it tracks their diurnal cortisol rhythm and can identify the effects of stress, inflammation, or toxin exposure on cortisol levels. 

CVD & Diabetes Prevention Comprehensive:

This test assesses cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and blood sugar regulation, to identify and help prevent heart disease and diabetes. 

Patients in Cushing’s disease recovery face an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders due to the long-term effects of high cortisol levels, so establishing a baseline cardiovascular risk assessment is essential. 

Comprehensive Hormone Assessment:

Testing such as the DUTCH PLUS test provides a detailed analysis of hormone levels, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Cushing’s patients often suffer from other symptoms of hormone imbalance, including menstrual irregularities and high androgens (male hormones) in women and low libido and erectile dysfunction in men.

Stool Testing:

Stool testing such as the GI MAP test analyzes the gut microbiome and identifies pathogens, bacteria, and markers of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut health can be compromised by chronic high cortisol levels.

Nutritional Testing:

Micronutrient testing evaluates levels of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants in the body. Nutritional testing is important for people recovering from Cushing's disease because nutrient deficiencies can affect energy levels, immune health, and overall recovery, especially after prolonged high cortisol exposure.

Metabolic Testing:

Metabolic testing, such as the Metabolomix+ test from Genova Diagnostics, assesses metabolic pathways, including energy production, detoxification, and oxidative stress. This test assesses metabolic function, which is necessary for energy production and recovery from Cushing’s disease. 

Thyroid Testing:

Thyroid testing measures levels of thyroid hormones to assess thyroid gland function. Thyroid imbalances can be common due to disrupted hormonal regulation, which further impacts metabolism, cardiovascular and mental health, and hormone balance.  

Toxin Testing: 

Toxin testing identifies the presence of harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, molds, and chemicals in the body, which can disrupt normal biological functions. Detecting and eliminating these toxins can help regulate cortisol levels by reducing the body's stress response and lowering chronic inflammation.

Genetic testing may also be performed to provide an additional layer of personalized care.

Genetic and Epigenetic Factors

Genetics refers to the study of specific genes, which we inherited from our parents and cannot be changed. Epigenetics, on the other hand, involves changes in gene expression caused by environmental and lifestyle factors without altering the DNA sequence itself. 

In the context of Cushing’s disease recovery, understanding a patient’s genetic predispositions through genetic testing can tailor her treatment using epigenetic modifications, such as diet, lifestyle, or targeted supplementation, to reduce her risk of developing or worsening chronic illness.

Functional Medicine Treatment Strategies for Cushing’s Disease

Several functional medicine techniques can be helpful for managing Cushing's Disease:

Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions

After initial treatments for Cushing’s disease have stabilized cortisol levels, optimizing patient health and reducing chronic disease risk with a functional medicine approach should be the focus.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

There are many versions of the anti-inflammatory diet out there, but they all focus on a few central guidelines:

  • Avoid processed foods, which are high in artificial additives, preservatives, and trans fats
  • Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates
  • Eat plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts

Focusing on these whole, nutrient-dense foods that reduce inflammation in the body, while minimizing the intake of inflammatory processed foods, sugars, and trans fats, is foundational for hormone health. 

Chronic inflammation can disrupt the body’s stress response and lead to elevated cortisol production. By reducing inflammation, the anti-inflammatory diet helps maintain balanced cortisol levels, supporting overall hormonal health and stress management.

Stress Management Techniques

Reducing chronic stress is essential for overall health. Prolonged stress is a well-known cause of physical and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease

Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork or yoga practices help individuals become more aware of their stress responses, reduce cortisol levels, and promote a sense of calm and balance. 

Incorporating stress management strategies into daily routines can enhance resilience to stress, improve emotional regulation, and support overall well-being, ultimately reducing the risk of stress-related health issues.

Exercise and Movement

Regular exercise and movement are essential for managing cortisol levels and promoting overall health, but it’s important to tailor these activities to avoid overtaxing the body, which can actually elevate cortisol levels. 

Moderate, regular exercise such as walking, yoga, swimming, or strength training helps maintain balanced cortisol by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing sleep quality. 

It’s important to work with a professional to create a personalized exercise program catering to your fitness level, stress load, and overall health. This ensures that the benefits of physical activity are maximized without causing excessive physical strain, supporting both mental and physical well-being.

Nutritional and Herbal Support

Appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation can facilitate the recovery process from Cushing’s disease, especially those that target the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens are natural herbs known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balanced cortisol levels. These adaptogens work by modulating the body's stress response system via the HPA axis and by promoting proper cellular and mitochondrial function

Some examples of traditional adaptogenic herbs include: 

  • Ashwagandha: known for reducing stress and anxiety, Ashwagandha supports adrenal health by modulating the HPA axis, lowering cortisol and DHEA levels. 
  • Rhodiola Rosea: this adaptogen dampens cortisol via the HPA axis and improves stress symptoms.
  • Holy Basil (Tulsi): used in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties, Holy Basil regulates cortisol and supports the nervous system’s interaction with the HPA axis. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar regulation benefits. 

Nutritional Supplements

Magnesium helps regulate stress hormones, which may promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and fatigue associated with adrenal dysfunction. It can also promote cardiovascular health and improve blood sugar control

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can lower cortisol levels and improve mood, contributing to better stress management and slowing early aging. 

B vitamins are essential for adrenal gland function, helping to convert food into energy, support neurotransmitter production, and balance the stress response. 

Detoxification and Gut Health

The liver and digestive tract are essential detoxification organs. Supporting liver detoxification and gut health is necessary to reduce the body's toxic load and improve hormone regulation. 

The liver filters out toxins and metabolizes hormones, including cortisol. Ensuring it functions optimally helps prevent the buildup of excessive hormones or of harmful substances that can disrupt hormonal balance. 

A healthy gut supports the elimination of toxins through regular bowel movements and houses beneficial bacteria that assist in metabolizing and recycling hormones. 

Mind-Body Practices

Therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and biofeedback are increasingly used to promote healing and balance in the body by addressing both physical and mental well-being. 

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and alleviate pain, stress, and inflammation. 

Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and relaxation, reducing cortisol levels and improving overall health. 

Biofeedback helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, through real-time feedback, empowering them to manage stress, anxiety, and other health conditions effectively. 

The Role of Collaboration in Functional Medicine

Collaboration between conventional and functional medicine providers is ideal for patients in recovery from Cushing’s disease.

Integrating Conventional and Functional Approaches

After initial Cushing's disease treatment, collaboration between functional medicine practitioners, endocrinologists, and other specialists provides comprehensive care for patients recovering from its complications.

Functional medicine practitioners can collaborate with endocrinologists and other specialists to address the root causes of the condition and optimize patient health through a holistic treatment plan that includes nutritional support, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. 

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are essential in long-term Cushing's management. Regular follow-ups allow healthcare providers to track patient progress, assess hormone levels, and adjust treatment plans as needed to help the patient continue to move toward her desired health goals. 

Challenges and Considerations

A collaborative approach to Cushing’s disease treatment and long-term management acknowledges the value and the roles of each provider involved.

Recognizing the Limitations

Functional medicine can offer valuable support in managing Cushing's disease, but it has limitations. In severe cases or when rapid symptom control is needed, conventional treatments like surgery, medication, or radiation may be necessary to effectively manage the condition.

Long-term management of Cushing’s requires regular cortisol assessments and monitoring for recurrence, should be done by an endocrinologist.  

Importance of Patient Commitment

The success of functional medicine approaches for Cushing’s disease largely depends on the patient's commitment to making and maintaining lifestyle and dietary changes. Consistent adherence to these changes, even through small daily steps, is important for improving outcomes and managing symptoms effectively.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Functional medicine uses an individualized approach to manage chronic conditions resulting from Cushing's disease. This includes personalized treatment plans that consider diet, genetics, lifestyle, and specialized lab tests.
  • People healing from Cushing’s disease who are ready to optimize their health should explore functional medicine as a complementary approach to managing their symptoms with its holistic, individualized care.
  • With a holistic, personalized approach to care, functional medicine offers hope and support for patients ready to overcome the chronic conditions associated with Cushing's disease.

Cushing's disease is a rare type of Cushing’s syndrome caused by a non-cancerous pituitary tumor that leads to excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), resulting in high cortisol levels. This can disrupt normal cortisol rhythms, potentially contributing to serious health issues if not addressed. 

Surgery is typically the primary treatment, but medications and radiation therapy can also help manage the condition. 

However, untreated Cushing’s disease can be associated with many chronic health issues. At appropriate amounts, cortisol is necessary for our survival, but too much cortisol may contribute to health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, bone health problems, metabolic conditions like diabetes, chronic mood disorders, and others. 

This is where functional medicine practitioners can be helpful. Functional medicine is an individualized approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, considering factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle. Functional medicine practitioners use specialized lab tests to guide their approach. 

Practitioners are licensed healthcare providers, including medical doctors (MD), naturopathic doctors (ND/NMD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), nurse practitioners (NP), chiropractors (DC), and other licensed professionals. 

Functional medicine practitioners use an individualized approach, considering factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle to help manage chronic conditions associated with Cushing’s disease.  They use specialized lab tests and personalized plans that include diet, lifestyle, supplements, and other therapies.

[signup]

Understanding Cushing’s Disease from a Functional Medicine Perspective

Functional medicine practitioners understand the connection between the body, mind, and lifestyle. They consider factors like stress, diet, and environment that affect health in their patient’s assessment and management. By viewing patients holistically, they can identify potential root causes, confirm them with testing, and create personalized health plans. 

Managing Cushing’s disease involves collaborating with an endocrinologist, surgeon, and other specialists to address the pituitary tumor causing high cortisol levels. Once cortisol levels are balanced, a functional medicine practitioner can assist with long-term assessment and management of health issues associated with excess cortisol.

Cushing’s disease patients may experience many chronic conditions from excessive and prolonged cortisol exposure, including:

Holistic View of Health

A holistic health view considers the interconnectedness of body, mind, and lifestyle, aiming for balance beyond just the absence of disease. 

In Cushing’s disease, maintaining healthy cortisol levels post-tumor removal is important for overall well-being. This requires attention to diet, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors. Functional medicine providers use tests like the adrenal stress index, stool, food sensitivity, and melatonin testing to identify health-impacting areas, enabling a collaborative, evidence-based approach to long-term wellness.

The Root Cause Approach

After initial Cushing’s disease management, which typically involves addressing the pituitary tumor, cortisol levels are monitored to return to normal. Excessive cortisol exposure can be associated with long-lasting health issues that persist even after successful intervention. 

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes of persistent symptoms through comprehensive assessments, including hormone levels, cortisol rhythm, cardiovascular and metabolic health, gut function, and toxin exposure. This approach targets root causes to support health and achieve lasting outcomes.

Individualized Care

Functional medicine practitioners use a detailed medical and family history, lifestyle assessment, and diagnostic tests to create personalized plans that consider the individual’s genetic makeup, medical history, and specific symptoms, aligning care with the patient's unique health goals for more effective management of Cushing’s disease complications.

Functional Medicine Assessment of Cushing’s Disease

People new to functional medicine often wonder about the process of seeing a functional medicine provider. While each provider has her or his own way of establishing relationships and optimizing their patients’ health, you can expect that these areas will be covered: 

Comprehensive Patient History

Expect your provider to spend time asking you questions about your medical history, your family history, and your management of Cushing’s disease.  They will want to know what other medical conditions you may have, as well as all medications and treatments you’re currently receiving. 

They will ask you about your lifestyle, including a thorough analysis of your diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and any environmental exposures to chemicals, molds, or toxins that may affect your body’s ability to fully recover. 

Most importantly, they will ask about your health goals. This may be new to you, but knowing your health goals helps your doctor tailor your plan more effectively.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Once your functional medicine provider understands your medical history and health goals, they may recommend specific testing to tailor your plan to quickly and effectively reach your goals. 

Tests that may be considered include:

Adrenal Stress Index:

The Adrenal Stress Index measures cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day to evaluate adrenal gland function and stress response. This test is useful for long-term care in people recovering from Cushing's disease because it tracks their diurnal cortisol rhythm and can identify the effects of stress, inflammation, or toxin exposure on cortisol levels. 

CVD & Diabetes Prevention Comprehensive:

This test assesses cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and blood sugar regulation, to identify and help manage heart health and blood sugar levels. 

Patients in Cushing’s disease recovery may face an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders due to the long-term effects of high cortisol levels, so establishing a baseline cardiovascular risk assessment is important. 

Comprehensive Hormone Assessment:

Testing such as the DUTCH PLUS test provides a detailed analysis of hormone levels, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Cushing’s patients often experience other symptoms of hormone imbalance, including menstrual irregularities and high androgens (male hormones) in women and low libido and erectile dysfunction in men.

Stool Testing:

Stool testing such as the GI MAP test analyzes the gut microbiome and identifies pathogens, bacteria, and markers of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut health can be affected by chronic high cortisol levels.

Nutritional Testing:

Micronutrient testing evaluates levels of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants in the body. Nutritional testing is important for people recovering from Cushing's disease because nutrient levels can affect energy levels, immune health, and overall recovery, especially after prolonged high cortisol exposure.

Metabolic Testing:

Metabolic testing, such as the Metabolomix+ test from Genova Diagnostics, assesses metabolic pathways, including energy production, detoxification, and oxidative stress. This test assesses metabolic function, which is necessary for energy production and recovery from Cushing’s disease. 

Thyroid Testing:

Thyroid testing measures levels of thyroid hormones to assess thyroid gland function. Thyroid imbalances can be common due to disrupted hormonal regulation, which further impacts metabolism, cardiovascular and mental health, and hormone balance.  

Toxin Testing: 

Toxin testing identifies the presence of substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, molds, and chemicals in the body, which can affect normal biological functions. Detecting and addressing these toxins can help support cortisol levels by reducing the body's stress response and lowering chronic inflammation.

Genetic testing may also be performed to provide an additional layer of personalized care.

Genetic and Epigenetic Factors

Genetics refers to the study of specific genes, which we inherited from our parents and cannot be changed. Epigenetics, on the other hand, involves changes in gene expression caused by environmental and lifestyle factors without altering the DNA sequence itself. 

In the context of Cushing’s disease recovery, understanding a patient’s genetic predispositions through genetic testing can tailor her plan using epigenetic modifications, such as diet, lifestyle, or targeted supplementation, to support her health.

Functional Medicine Strategies for Cushing’s Disease

Several functional medicine techniques can be helpful for managing Cushing's Disease:

Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions

After initial interventions for Cushing’s disease have stabilized cortisol levels, optimizing patient health and reducing chronic disease risk with a functional medicine approach should be the focus.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

There are many versions of the anti-inflammatory diet out there, but they all focus on a few central guidelines:

  • Avoid processed foods, which are high in artificial additives, preservatives, and trans fats
  • Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates
  • Eat plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts

Focusing on these whole, nutrient-dense foods that may help reduce inflammation in the body, while minimizing the intake of inflammatory processed foods, sugars, and trans fats, is foundational for hormone health. 

Chronic inflammation can affect the body’s stress response and may lead to elevated cortisol production. By potentially reducing inflammation, the anti-inflammatory diet helps support balanced cortisol levels, promoting overall hormonal health and stress management.

Stress Management Techniques

Reducing chronic stress is important for overall health. Prolonged stress is a well-known factor in physical and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease

Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork or yoga practices may help individuals become more aware of their stress responses, support cortisol levels, and promote a sense of calm and balance. 

Incorporating stress management strategies into daily routines can enhance resilience to stress, improve emotional regulation, and support overall well-being, ultimately reducing the risk of stress-related health issues.

Exercise and Movement

Regular exercise and movement are important for managing cortisol levels and promoting overall health, but it’s important to tailor these activities to avoid overtaxing the body, which can actually elevate cortisol levels. 

Moderate, regular exercise such as walking, yoga, swimming, or strength training may help support balanced cortisol by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing sleep quality. 

It’s important to work with a professional to create a personalized exercise program catering to your fitness level, stress load, and overall health. This ensures that the benefits of physical activity are maximized without causing excessive physical strain, supporting both mental and physical well-being.

Nutritional and Herbal Support

Appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation can facilitate the recovery process from Cushing’s disease, especially those that target the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens are natural herbs known for their potential to help the body adapt to stress and support balanced cortisol levels. These adaptogens work by modulating the body's stress response system via the HPA axis and by promoting proper cellular and mitochondrial function

Some examples of traditional adaptogenic herbs include: 

  • Ashwagandha: known for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, Ashwagandha may support adrenal health by modulating the HPA axis. 
  • Rhodiola Rosea: this adaptogen may help manage cortisol via the HPA axis and improve stress symptoms.
  • Holy Basil (Tulsi): used in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties, Holy Basil may help regulate cortisol and support the nervous system’s interaction with the HPA axis. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar regulation benefits. 

Nutritional Supplements

Magnesium may help regulate stress hormones, which may promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and fatigue associated with adrenal dysfunction. It can also support cardiovascular health and improve blood sugar control

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help support cortisol levels and improve mood, contributing to better stress management and slowing early aging. 

B vitamins are essential for adrenal gland function, helping to convert food into energy, support neurotransmitter production, and balance the stress response. 

Detoxification and Gut Health

The liver and digestive tract are essential detoxification organs. Supporting liver detoxification and gut health is necessary to reduce the body's toxic load and support hormone regulation. 

The liver filters out toxins and metabolizes hormones, including cortisol. Ensuring it functions optimally helps prevent the buildup of excessive hormones or of substances that can affect hormonal balance. 

A healthy gut supports the elimination of toxins through regular bowel movements and houses beneficial bacteria that assist in metabolizing and recycling hormones. 

Mind-Body Practices

Therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and biofeedback are increasingly used to promote healing and balance in the body by addressing both physical and mental well-being. 

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and alleviate pain, stress, and inflammation. 

Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and relaxation, potentially supporting cortisol levels and improving overall health. 

Biofeedback helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, through real-time feedback, empowering them to manage stress, anxiety, and other health conditions effectively. 

The Role of Collaboration in Functional Medicine

Collaboration between conventional and functional medicine providers can be beneficial for patients in recovery from Cushing’s disease.

Integrating Conventional and Functional Approaches

After initial Cushing's disease management, collaboration between functional medicine practitioners, endocrinologists, and other specialists provides comprehensive care for patients recovering from its complications.

Functional medicine practitioners can collaborate with endocrinologists and other specialists to address the root causes of the condition and support patient health through a holistic plan that includes nutritional support, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. 

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are important in long-term Cushing's management. Regular follow-ups allow healthcare providers to track patient progress, assess hormone levels, and adjust plans as needed to help the patient continue to move toward her desired health goals. 

Challenges and Considerations

A collaborative approach to Cushing’s disease management acknowledges the value and the roles of each provider involved.

Recognizing the Limitations

Functional medicine can offer valuable support in managing Cushing's disease, but it has limitations. In severe cases or when rapid symptom control is needed, conventional treatments like surgery, medication, or radiation may be necessary to effectively manage the condition.

Long-term management of Cushing’s requires regular cortisol assessments and monitoring for recurrence, which should be done by an endocrinologist.  

Importance of Patient Commitment

The success of functional medicine approaches for Cushing’s disease largely depends on the patient's commitment to making and maintaining lifestyle and dietary changes. Consistent adherence to these changes, even through small daily steps, is important for improving outcomes and managing symptoms effectively.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Functional medicine uses an individualized approach to help manage chronic conditions associated with Cushing's disease. This includes personalized plans that consider diet, genetics, lifestyle, and specialized lab tests.
  • People healing from Cushing’s disease who are ready to optimize their health may explore functional medicine as a complementary approach to managing their symptoms with its holistic, individualized care.
  • With a holistic, personalized approach to care, functional medicine offers support for patients ready to address the chronic conditions associated with Cushing's disease.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
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Cloyd, J. (2023, July 5). The Role of the Liver and Gut in Detoxification and How to Support Them With Integrative Medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-the-liver-gut-in-detoxification-and-how-to-support-it-with-integrative-medicine 

Cloyd, J. (2023, October 18). The Top 6 Essential Health Benefits of Magnesium That You Should Know. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-top-6-therapeutic-uses-of-magnesium-you-need-to-know 

Cloyd, J. (2023, August 21). Thyroid Hormone Testing Guide: A Comprehensive Review of How to Test for Thyroid Hormones. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/thyroid-hormone-testing-guide-a-comprehensive-review-of-how-to-test-for-thyroid-hormones 

Cloyd J. Micronutrient Testing 101: A Complete Guide To The Top 4 Micronutrient Test. Rupa Health. Published February 24, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/micronutrient-testing-101-a-complete-guide-to-the-top-4-micronutrient-test 

Cloyd, J. (2024, January 4). When To Order A Stool Test For Your Patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/when-to-order-a-stool-test-for-your-patients 

Cloyd, J. (2023, May 17). The Role Of Nutrition And Dietary Supplements In Preventing And Managing Cardiovascular Disease. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-nutrition-and-dietary-supplements-in-preventing-and-managing-cardiovascular-disease

Cloyd, J. (2023, March 15). The relationship between the sleep stress cycle. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-relationship-between-the-sleep-stress-cycle 

Cloyd, J. (2023, August 21). Thyroid Hormone Testing Guide: A Comprehensive Review of How to Test for Thyroid Hormones. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/thyroid-hormone-testing-guide-a-comprehensive-review-of-how-to-test-for-thyroid-hormones 

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DeCesaris, L. (2022, August 8). Worried About Your Thyroid Health? Ask Your Doctor For These 3 Thyroid Labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/treating-the-thyroid-naturally 

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Greenan, S. (2021, November 19). What is Functional Medicine? How Do I Find A Functional Medicine Practitioner? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-functional-medicine 

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Khakham, C. Physical Activity and Depression In The Older Population. (2023, October 6). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/physical-activity-and-depression-in-the-older-population 

Khakham, C. The DUTCH Plus Test: A Comprehensive Overview. (2023, October 13). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-dutch-plus-test-a-comprehensive-overview 

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