Cushing's syndrome stretch marks. View of stretch marks beneath the breast of a woman suffering from Cushing's syndrome. This condition results from excess corticosteriod hormones in the body. It may be caused by overstimulation of the adrenal glands due to excessive amounts of the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) secreted by a tumour of the pituitary gland (Cushing's disease). The majority of cases, however, are caused by prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs, used to control inflammation. Symptoms include obesity, abnormal body hair growth, raised blood pressure and osteoporosis. Treatment depends on the cause, either cessation of drug treatment or surgery.