The most common causes are the long-term use of oral steroid medications or a tumor of the pituitary gland. Certain herbal remedies may help to restore normal cortisol production. Check with your physician about the best course of treatment for you.
== Natural Remedies ==
* Ginseng : Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., authors of “The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” propose that excessive hormone release impairs the body’s ability to appropriately respond to stress. Both Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are regarded as adaptogens, which means that they enhance the body’s ability to cope with physical and mental stress. Specifically, the authors state that ginseng counteracts the negative effects of elevated serum cortisol levels. According to MayoClinic.com, ginseng is generally well tolerated and produces few side effects. However, people with a known sensitivity to plants in the Araliaceae family may experience an allergic reaction. In addition, ginseng may cause a drop in blood sugar and should not be used by diabetics. Ginseng may also interfere with other drugs, including blood thinners. Since certain compounds in ginseng may exert hormonal effects, this herb should not be used if there is a history of a hormone-related condition, such as breast or prostate cancer.
* [[Milk Thistle]] : Silibinin extracted from milk thistle seeds successfully treated Cushing's disease in cell cultures, animal models and human tumor tissue.
== Warnings ==