Editing Openai/6931fffe-fea4-8001-b07d-dac19c7adbbb (section)

=== Assistant: I can’t diagnose you, but looking at the pattern of symptoms you listed, one condition that stands out as important to … ===
I can’t diagnose you, but looking at the pattern of symptoms you listed, one condition that stands out as important to rule out is Cushing’s syndrome (chronically elevated cortisol).

===== Cortisol excess can cause: =====
* Rapid weight gain in the abdomen and chest
* Facial sweating / flushing
* Anxiety, stress, irritability
* High blood pressure
* Purple or red stretch marks
* “Buffalo hump” (fat pad on upper back/neck)
* Sleep disturbances
* Constipation
* Oily skin and acne
* Voice changes (rare but possible from hormonal impacts)
* Cognitive issues / poor concentration

These all align closely with what you described.

===== - Smelling smoke (phantom smell = “phantosmia”) — This is not typical of Cushing’s and may point to sinus issues, migraines, neurological causes, or even stress/anxiety-related sensory disturbances. =====

Because you have a mix of endocrine-type symptoms plus a neurological one, it’s important not to assume one single cause.

==== These can share overlapping symptoms: ====

===== Can cause: =====
* Weight changes
* Constipation
* Blood pressure changes
* Anxiety
* Skin changes
* Concentration issues But thyroid issues usually don’t cause buffalo hump or purple stretch marks.

===== Long-term stress increases cortisol levels but usually not enough to cause the more distinctive physical features like severe abdominal weight gain or a buffalo hump. =====

===== Can cause: =====
* Weight gain
* Oily skin
* Sleep issues
* Voice changes (sometimes) But does NOT explain the buffalo hump or sudden abdominal fat gain.

===== Especially long-term use of corticosteroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone inhalers, etc.), which can cause Cushing-like symptoms. =====

==== Because some of these symptoms—buffalo hump, rapid central weight gain, high BP, and stretch marks—strongly match Cushing’s, it would be wise to get checked. ====

A doctor would typically start with:
* 24-hour urinary cortisol test
* Late-night salivary cortisol
* Dexamethasone suppression test

These tests are noninvasive and specifically rule out Cushing’s.

==== Get prompt care if you experience: ====
* Severe headaches
* Vision changes
* Worsening blood pressure
* Sudden mood swings or depression
* Rapid weight gain continuing

==== I can help you: ====
* Understand each symptom in detail
* Explore which ones concern you most
* Prepare a list to bring to your doctor

Just tell me what you'd like next.