OBESITY MYSTERY SOLVED: The Reversible Cause You Never Knew!

Leslie is a woman whose life took a drastic turn in her late 20s when she gained over 100 pounds for no apparent reason. Little did she know, her weight gain stemmed from a hidden medical condition - and a reversible cause of obesity. So join me on this medical mystery as Leslie as she reclaims her health and her life.
Learn more on the Cushing’s Support and Research Foundation website: csrf.net
This video is made for educational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
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See you in the next video!
~ Siobhan (Violin MD) ~
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📸 Image Credits:
- By OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013., CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
- By Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator - Image:Skull and brain sagittal.svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

[@ValsLife1]

This is why I get annoyed when people comment "calories in vs calories out" regarding weight loss. It's not so simple and makes people sound lazy. Hormones play more of a role than I think we even realize.

[@saranprincess]

I agree.

[@LauraB.335]

@@joeiborowski9763- wrong. Obesity is an hormonal issue. It is most often due to insulin resistance. If there is too much insulin in the body, it becomes literally impossible to let go of body fat, regardless of how few calories you take in. Also, fat loss is mostly food, not calories, but the type of food you’re eating.

[@tedreid1035]

@@LauraB.335not quite.

[@tedreid1035]

In terms of obesity, Cushing’s continues to account for a very low percentage. Most obesity is related to excess calories. Not understanding that is the real problem

[@debbied9842]

@tedreid1035 and @joeiborowski9763 - you’re wrong, @LauraB.335 is correct. I don’t know if you have medical training, I do. But, Dr Jason Fung who has a KZbin channel, is a nephrologist, and has helped thousands reverse diabetes and lose weight will tell you it is metabolic disease. Obesity and diabetes are metabolic diseases.

[@sunshinelizard1]

It's a problem that she wasn't sent to an endocrinologist by her GP years before. Weight gain is still treated like an issues of life choices and will power - that just needs to stop.

[@TheBaumcm]

What is unfortunate is that for most, it is an issue of choice and willpower, which revolves around a mental health issue, depression, eating one’s feelings, ED, a self medication which can lead to gaining weight. Unfortunately, many issues, hormonal and otherwise, have strong evidence to suggest that being obese makes them worse and harder to control (think Type II diabetes).

[@jessicapearson9479]

That has nothing to do with this 😒

[@ipsissimavoce4870]

@@TheBaumcm It could also be symptomatic of food insecurity. If you can't afford to eat well or live in a food desert, or don't have adequate access to transportation to get to better food, it's damn impossible to have the choice to eat well. Lower income neighborhoods sometimes only have 'convenience' stores as a place to get groceries - meaning what they eat is completely dependent upon what is available: high calorie, high sugar, highly processed foods and beverages. The medical issues that come about are direct results of what's available to them. In the US, money is often the deciding factor between eating well or not and sometimes not eating at all. Mental health and willpower can be factors, but not always and to the exclusion of all else.

[@helenemalenfant5435]

@@TheBaumcmI think you’re missing a key point. Physicians and society at large continue to make characterological judgments about patients struggling with obesity and view it as a failing. Because of this, they are dismissive of symptoms, as happened with this person, and attribute everything to their obesity without adequate consideration of possible underlying conditions that should be investigated. Of course, emotional/behavioural/social factors play a role…but the way physicians and society treat you only compounds the problem and fuels the process. More importantly, physician attitudes often lead to poor standard of care because of complex bidirectional influences. I am a perfect case example with many factors interacting from childhood sexual abuse, early weight gain, weight loss as I dealt with with the issues, horrible sexual assault in early adulthood with neck injury and associated migraines, weight gain and a number of complex systemic issues that got missed for years because I was not investigated appropriately including thyroid!, severe anemia, then ETC, osteomalacia, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, CAH, being on steroids for years, and on and on. I spent 8 months wth undiagnosed spinal fractures after a car accident having my repeated complaints of pain dismissed and it was only because the rheumatologist I saw patients for at the hospital where I worked did a consult and simple X-rays…then identified scoliosis, compression fractures and started unravelling everything including osteomalacia, radiculopathy and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis. You honestly have no idea how you get treated by most physicians when you are obese, even when you work in health care. You are judged and shamed and it makes you avoidant and negligent since the whole experience is always so aversive. I eventually found a great FD with a Ph.D. in medical anthropology who was key in helping sort so many of my underlying conditions because she (a) treated me with dignity and (b) did proper differential diagnosis and investigations. A rare gem! And the very premise of your comment is to attribute blame on the individual as a personal choice without recognizing that there are predisposing genetics, family environmental influences, mitigating circumstances etc Everyone is happy to call alcoholism and drug abuse a ‘disease’ and dichotomizes when, really, there are similar complex webs of causality and it’s a matter of how can health care best support someone struggling with this issue overcome it. I could go on and on about the biological markers for depression, anxiety etc independent of obesity and, again, the judgmental undertone that comes from someone who simply sees these problems as one of choice and willpower without understanding the complex psychosocial and biological factors that all come into play.

[@eugenetswong]

For most people, diet is 100% the problem. The most common global medical issues are easily dealt with preventative health care, and especially diet. The 3rd world needs to eat more, and the 1st world needs to eat less meat or none at all, and less processed food. That's just a summary, and not an invitation to a debate.

[@deedrole5296]

It's so easy for people to discount people with obesity. We still consider it a moral failing even when we understand that it's a physical disorder or a symptom.

[@LeslieEdwin]

💯

[@jakeaurod]

A classmate who was athletic in highschool got huge because of Lyme Disease.

[@AutobotSimmer]

Yup, I read people arguing a real doctor would tell people like Leslie to lose weight and she'll feel better. I have learned often in the cases when people eat a lot of food, there's a psychological reason for that. It's coping with something. Then there's conditions where weight gain just happens like Cushing's or PCOS.

[@dalhousiekid]

It is usually a mental problem caused by trauma etc. Rarely is it physical. But it is unfortunately still a stigma and thought of as a moral failing. EDITED to say *thought of as a moral failure" sorry

[@AutobotSimmer]

@@dalhousiekid yeah, it's disgusting.

[@Safferpsyche]

Doctors treat diabetes and hypertension but rarely investigate underlying causes.

[@ValC-vn5vl]

I was an LPN for 40 years. My weight steadily increased over the years to 196 lbs. After I retired, my weight dropped to 154 lbs without trying. I attribute this to cortisol. Wish that I had switched careers many years ago.

[@SewardWriter]

Yup, and some of us produce more than others. I've got PTSD, which drives up my cortisol levels.

[@olilumgbalu5653]

Also, strangely enough there are always sugary and highly processed snacks (chips, cookies, candy, chocolate, etc) made available in the staff breakrooms at every hospital I've worked at.

[@alibenkahn5092]

What's an LPN?

[@ValC-vn5vl]

@@alibenkahn5092 in Canada, it’s a licensed practical nurse.

[@dlspeed1]

@@alibenkahn5092 A nurse, a license practicing nurse maybe, not sure the exact words for the abbreviations, but a nurse for sure. ~~~Peace~~~

[@janinabaezakottirsch9546]

This is textbook Cushing's. Any doctor should have the knowledge to suspect it and ask for a endocrinology consult. It's honestly worrying that they didn't 😢

[@mikerope5785]

Unfortunately doctors' _modus operandi_ was historically, and is concurrently, one of expert generalisation, and in general, nearly always the first line for obesity is adjustment of lifestyle with treatment of underlying mental health factors such as ADHD, BPD, PTSD, OCD or anxiety/depression, GLP-1 agonists notwithstanding. This tunnel vision (discrimination) leads to oversight in checking for comparatively rare organic factors.

[@margaritasaborio4475]

It is easier to blame the patient, I guess. 🙄

[@roxannlegg750]

Exactly, i mentioned that myself above. Its just incompetance and medical laziness. As i said, just froom the thumbnail I knew it was a cushings case. How do doctors get such basic metabolic bio chemistry SO wrong.

[@roxannlegg750]

@@mikerope5785 Yeah - go to a doctor because oof uncontrollable weight gain, only to reccommend lifestyle changes...coz no one ever thought of that before or tried everything. Interestingly, doctors never say to a patient complaining of weightloss "maybe you should eat more - here, have some hot chips...". urgh

[@gerardacronin334]

I can imagine how this was missed. Medical students are often more likely to think of less common problems because they are learning about long lists of differential diagnoses. In medical school, doctors are taught that common symptoms are usually due to common causes. The average family doctor may never see a patient with Cushing’s disease in 30 years of practice, but will see thousands of patients with obesity. Gradually, the lists of differential diagnoses learned in medical school become dim memories for the family doctor. An endocrinologist, on the other hand, specializes in gland disorders and should recognize those symptoms.

[@yourm8k8]

My mom was told by doctors "you are too thin to have cushings". The high cortisol and tumor on her pituitary gland proved them wrong.

[@roxannlegg750]

Some form of cushings can cause weight loss, or just fat deposition in diff places - he prob saw she didnt have that hump at the back of her neck/spine, and if she had a pear shaped body - that too flies in thhe face of text book diagnoosis. Another type of cushings is the type that comes and goes. This DOES happen. I have had periods in my life where I have had cortisol insufficiency -- one am fasting cortisol read a total of zero cortisol, which prompted the bloods to be personally ran again by the professor in charge of tthe lab, only to confirm it. They believed this to be an impossibility. It prob wasnt absolute zero - just too low too be detectible. And yes, I was barely conscious, and my husband had carried me into the clinic for the 8 am blood test. Which then lead to the ACTH challenge test, and was a borderline fail. Recently, years later now my cortisol is too high....and has been for sometime, but i can feel it beginning to drop again. 😞

[@tedreid1035]

But they did the tests to get a diagnosis.

[@mellie4174]

Dopo much dogma in medicine. They forget that each individual body is different and reacts differently.

[@janne6785]

So then what test and doing it when helped with diagnosis of Cushing if the Cushing comes abd goes?

[@Marie.b]

See what you're doing there! Good one. Cortisol can't make you fat if you don't eat.😂. Cortisol actually metabolises fat and carbs quicker, leading to a burst of energy. So then your appetite increases to get you to eat more to make up for the loss. Your mom beat that by ignoring her appetite I guess, or restricting her eating, or by being a highly disciplined person who sticks to certain meals etc. let us know her secret to beating it. Ps. Why did she go to the doctor, meaning what high cortisol symptoms did she have. Maybe it can help overweight people to list their issues and not let doctors see "fat" and make up their own diagnosis without tests. Thanks

[@raewebb6365]

That poor woman. She suffered way too long. God Bless her

[@Maryaliece]

This has happened to my daughter. She’s 28 and has gained 100 lbs! Drs won’t LISTEN!

[@YourCapybaraAmigo_17yrsago]

Keep switching doctors until you find one who is doing their job and complain about the other ones to the medical board. If they are ignoring you they deserve to have their license is revoked. People like that should not be practicing medicine!! They clearly aren't competent if they don't know that there could be medical causes to sudden weight gain it's literally a question on so many screening questionnaires I can't believe these animals aren't looking closer at your situation. Please keep switching. Everyone deserves competent medical Care. I would definitely report these doctors to the medical board and any other oversight board that deals with medicine.

[@cherylkygirl7181]

​1 word explains it all- PRACTICING

[@YourCapybaraAmigo_17yrsago]

And best of luck to you ma'am. I started to gain weight in my early thirties too... I think it's mostly hormonal, not Cushing's, I don't have the other symptoms, but I'm still working on normalizing my weight at 44. Best of luck to yourself and your daughter.

[@iheartcryptoverse2857]

Try an endocrinologist. They'll listen and do the tests.

[@brooketesfaye]

how exhausting for this poor woman. really makes you realize how much we take for granted. glad she's feeling great today ☺️

[@LeslieEdwin]

Thank you 🥰

[@Sincerelywendyy]

Rjght

[@cathywithac3793]

After a friend was diagnosed with PCOS, she finally got her weight under control. She suffered for years before she was accurately diagnosed. It's a good thing we have youtube to confirm that there is indeed something wrong with us!!

[@ejc139]

what did your friend do? i have pcos, and i don’t know what to try to manage my weight. i gained 115 lbs in 3 years. those 3 years were the time i was trying my hardest to lose weight, which is crazy

[@anniestumpy9918]

what was the treatment?

[@mikerope5785]

OMG that first full night's sleep after having chronically high cortisol levels must be so energising.

[@oats679]

Hey siobhan! This story is really similar to what my mother went through. She had a pituitary adenoma for nearly 13 years. Was told by so many doctors that she was just fat. Eventually she had many episodes of extreme high blood pressure (the top number was around 210, a record for our local hospital). Finally someone decided to scan her head. Very large tumor wrapped around her carotid artery. She went through almost identical symptoms to this woman. Such a misunderstood disease, both Cushing’s disease and syndrome. Happy ending by the way for my mom! She apparently had a very high chance of dying during her surgery but amazingly made it through. There’s so much care that happens post-op though. She went through so much.

[@penniewyatt9391]

Omg, I’m on severe hormone blockers and my oncologist literally rolled her eyes when I told her I gained 40 pounds in a calorie deficit. She doesn’t believe me. I have a freaking chart of all my food and drink. It’s so frustrating. I’m in severe pain from the drugs and excess weight. And I live in a remote area which makes things twice as hard. I can’t just drive to another area. (Hawaii) my insurance will not help with flights and hotel stays. It’s thousands of dollars to go to the mainland and stay in a hotel, not to mention that my husband has dementia and I don’t even know if he can handle a flight at this point.

[@liz0707]

We can only pray to the Almighty God in your situation. Please God help this lady in this dire straights situation. I trust upon your Almighty power to resolve this seemingly impossible case. In Jesus name I send you1000 angels from God's kingdom. Amen. All my love to you .

[@TheBaumcm]

Find a different oncologist. Get your charts and see if you can find a doctor who can do Telemedicine visits to at least narrow things down and maybe they beat your regular oncologist into submission. It is up to you to advocate for yourself.

[@daiseymae6263]

The hardest thing you will ever do in your life is the carnivore diet, it’s meat, eggs, LIGHT dairy like some cheese, and salt and water but many people are curing cancer and every other autoimmune disease, and losing weight, and if carnivore too hard fry keto, god bless

[@LilyGazou]

Look up Dr berg video, the cancer interview. You can look for a Hawaiian traditional healer also. One of the things that can help anyone is to swim in salt water. Blessings🌺

[@lalagardenia6500]

Naturopathic physicians are licensed in Hawaii so you could consider seeing an ND?

[@BCBooks]

This is exactly what is going on with me. I have been so scared to go back to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and start treatment because most doctors always see the weight and cannot go further to actually treat your real symptoms. I am so glad she was able to share her story because now I know what to do. Thank you so much for giving me this motivation and hopefully I can get better soon

[@Breathe-In-and-Out]

I hope you do get treatment and feel better soon!

[@nancy9478]

I hope you find a compassionate endocrinologist that looks at every possibility. God Bless you.

[@victorialevitt311]

Sending you love and strength. Tell /show your doctor about this podcast.. hopefully he/she is open minded enough to listen and help you. 🙏🏼🫶🏽

[@teschchr122]

That poor woman! She looked miserable before her diagnosis. Too many times doctors dismiss women’s concerns. When I was pregnant with my second child I was absolutely exhausted and hair was falling out in chunks. I told my OBGYN and he actually said I was lazy. I gave blood and my cholesterol level was over 1000. He finally checked my thyroid and my T-SHIRT was 114.

[@YourCapybaraAmigo_17yrsago]

I'm so sorry you were treated that way I would have been outraged. Trash human being can just discount what a patient is telling them with that out at least trying to verify it through an objective method? Clearly these people have unresolved mother issues because they have a deep-seated misogyny these people are sick and should NOT be practicing!! They are a curse on their profession and a disgraceful example of a human being. I hope you left that doctor shortly thereafter. That is actually verbal abuse and a betrayal of their oath to first do no harm- by refusing to treat patients they are being derelict of duty. There are SO many doctors that need to have their licenses revoked and sadly a lot of them just end up retiring with full benefits. These people are a disgrace and do NOT deserve to practice. I have zero tolerance and zero patience for these things who think they can go into the medical profession being the worthless people that they are and bring their vile prejudices and total and shameful lack of professionality with them. Just more proof that being smart doesn't make you a good person.

[@justjan2576]

Did you mean your TSH was 114?! Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, how miserable! Can you please tell me how you got well? Thank you

[@YourCapybaraAmigo_17yrsago]

You know I wanted to post something encouraging but KZbin blocked it yesterday? So annoying....

[@CatfromtheCanals]

Endocrinologist here: in our clinic we screen every obesity patient for Cushing‘s. And in many cases we don’t find it even in very suspicious cases. The screening is simple and not very expensive - no excuse for not doing it. Especially in cases with rapid weight gain and the typical adipose tissue distribution. I also question the neurosurgeons a bit due to the complications but it is a difficult tumor to remove.

[@warrioroflight3813]

It really depends on the surgeon, Dr.Daniel Kelly at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, is one of the best in his field and he would have taken care of this woman without any complications. I was tested for Cushing's and thankfully I didn't have it. What caused all my symptoms and weight gain was/is adult onset growth hormone deficiency. So that's something you can test your patients for as well, sounds like you're a good Doctor so I'm sure you already know this.

[@infopubs]

Many thanks to Leslie for opening up about her medical journey. I wish only the best for her in the future!

[@haawkinss1]

So glad she kept advocating for herself. Women's health is so often dismissed

[@justkenzie]

It doesn't help that they didn't start including women in medical research until the 90s (according to the stats I've heard).

[@everydaytwiceonsundays4498]

Cortisol levels can mess with your metabolism outside of Cushing's disease too. Lately I was in a DV situation, and it took over two years before I could find a place to escape to; during that time I would eat nothing for 7 to 9 days at a time and there would be no visible difference; a body in survival mode will stretch calories something crazy.

[@TheVirtualFashionista]

Dammit... I was so excited when I saw this video because I thought maybe there was finally an answer for what's wrong with me, but nope. Already been tested for that and no Cushings for me, just thirty years of misery and counting. I feel like I'm never going to know what's wrong with me or find a way to fix it. It's really... really hard. I am glad that Leslie found a solution and got better, though. No one deserves to feel this way. Stay strong, Leslie!

[@DeannaKloostra-ij1zp]

If you don't have this, could it be a bacterial infection in the stomach?

[@puzzletherapy4u]

You can try to heal yourself without a diagnosis. The carnivore diet or lion diet heals a lot of health problems. Watch Dr chaffee and Dr ken Berry videos

[@825bianca]

Cushings and Addisons disease was engraved in my brain since nursing school. It’s interesting to see a real case and happy that she was able to finally get an answer and her life back 🖤

[@quinn2014]

One of my close friends has Addison's disease and it's been brutal for him. He just got diagnosed a week ago.

[@heide-raquelfuss5580]

In Belgium, Addison disease is seen as quackery. You get send directly to the psychiatrist at best or worst! If a doctor has the nerve to test you for Addison, he will have problems with the medical bord. There was a doctor testing this in patients and so on and the board got him sued, licence..., a big fine of 1000's of euros many times. Cushing the same. Nobody will test you for this. I think it has to do with $$$ and nobody wants to pay for it and diagnosing means you have it AND THE RIGHT for insurance claim. They do this 'tricks' here with many issues! Clever how they con people. They are clever.

[@ValC-vn5vl]

It’s actually not as rare as people think.

[@quinn2014]

@@ValC-vn5vl absolutely

[@SageFigaro]

...this is really interesting. I also had a moment in my late 20s when i gained over 100 pounds over just about a year and thought it was bizarre because my diet did not change and i was actually more active because of my job. I still haven't lost the weight and I've been getting other issues slowly since then, this might be something to look at with my doctor next week!

[@dez6278]

Thyroid, diabetes and mood medications can cause that too.

[@brendataylor8388]

Definitely see an endocrinologist or rheumatologist. Sounds suspiciously autoimmune to me🤷🏼‍♀️

[@nikkiewhite476]

Good luck! Please demand a referral to an Endo. They know what to look for.

[@DJRenee]

What I did was write a list. And I went through each item one by one. Process of elimination.

[@dianejones4276]

Sounds like a good time to try carnivore

[@cherylrajewski3390]

This is the saddest video you have presented. I can't even imagine what she went through. I am glad she is part of a support group and was willing to share her story with your viewers to get awareness out there. My brother in law suffered from amyloidosis and it took two years before they figured it out and he was on deaths door. This was after going to see several top cardiologist in the Los Angeles area who kept telling him it was a virus and there was nothing they could do. After a visit to the Mayo clinic he got a referral to an oncologist and with chemo and a heart and kidney transplant he is still alive 10 years later. I am looking forward to when AI is also used in medicine to help diagnose these more rare conditions.

[@LaraA55]

@Violin MD The sudden appearance of cystic acne/hirsutism in someone who never had this issue in the past along with the weight gain immediately told me it was a hormonal /endocrinological problem related to the adrenal glands and pituitary gland .This is an excellent and fascinating presentation of a mystery with a complication and twists. I am so happy to hear that she is doing so well.

[@hayze_ablaze]

Everyone should be given the opportunity to see an endocrinologist with rapid weight gain, moderate to severe overweight, and obesity.

[@3v1l73ddy]

It's so frustrating to have symptoms no one can explain. I'm glad she figured it out.

[@brendataylor8388]

Great story! This is why doctors are “practicing”. Every body is different.❤️

[@norniea]

Yes! THIS!!

[@ipsissimavoce4870]

I don't think "practice", specifically related to medicine, means guess work. It means "the act of to engage, with or without compensation, in medical diagnosis, healing, treatment, or surgery". True, every body is different, that doesn't mean physicians should just shrug and give vague diagnoses. It's good she advocated for herself and kept looking for the answers.

[@brendataylor8388]

@@ipsissimavoce4870 🤣completely misunderstood me😉. Have an awesome day!

[@galeocean4182]

I'm so sorry to hear how much awfulness Leslie went through. I'm wishing her all the best going forward.

[@iambor1393]

I had this same disease, so many symptoms I had I didn't even think to report to a doctor. The only things that I initially noted was a loss of my menstrual cycle for 3 months and weight gain, around 80 pounds in a little over a year. My family doctor thought I had PCOS, but eventually sent me to and endocrinologist when she couldn't find any cysts on ultrasound and nothing improved within a few months. It was only because the endocrinologist decided to rule virtually everything out "just in case" that they found my tumor. Trust me, this disease sucks, and because it's so rare it can be hard to find someone even willing to consider it in the first place, which can make for prolonged suffering and potentially worse outcomes. I got extremely lucky that it was caught before I developed any irreversible long term issues, but sadly most aren't that lucky.

[@deeh5048]

Did you have to have surgery?

[@jakeaurod]

I remember being concerned I might have Cushing's when I was early 30s. I had also gained about 100 lbs over a few years, had bad headaches, hypertension, new T2 Diabetes diagnosis. However, the cortisol test was normal. CT revealed a sphenoid polyp. The Ear, Nose, Throat specialist rinsed out my sinuses with saline irrigation and I felt better and didn't need any more treatment. I slowly lost the weight. Now, I'm sort of worried again. I've felt fatigued with joint and peri-articular pain, muscle aches and brain fog ever since I had Covid. Rheumatology says it's Fibromyalgia (RH factor is negative and most of the painful joints are mobile). However, later blood tests by my PCP show low TSH despite normal T3 and T3 and unchanged thyroid ultrasound, which might point at a pituitary problem. (As well as anemia and possible high potassium and low body temperature.) I've seen some studies link Sars-CoV-2 to pituitary infection. But I also had brain injury from cardiac arrest a few years ago and wonder if that might be part of it. So, I'm taking blood tests every few months to keep track. I should get a draw next week, but I'm thinking I should wait until a flareup to make sure any changes get caught.

[@Deba7777]

Omgosh, poor THING!!! What an awful bunch of circumstances to suffer through! God love ya, Leslie!❤

[@themoley91]

Knew what it was from the video title as I've been struggling with worries about Cushing's for years. I have PCOS, which causes some similar symptoms, and for me that + health anxiety = a fixation with Cushing's. I actually emailed with Leslie last year about my concerns, and she encouraged me to reach out directly to some of the CSRF's recommended endocrinologists. I did, and he was kind enough to accept me as a patient. So far testing hasn't shown that I have Cushing's, and actually my symptoms are improving since losing weight, so we're leaning on it really being PCOS, but I'm very thankful for Leslie's guidance and the endo is continuing to follow me and will test again later this year, so I feel good to have found someone who didn't just pat me on the head like another endo I saw years ago did. Cortisol is a really interesting hormone that we don't know enough about yet; they're now finding that mild autonomous cortisol secretion is probably quite common. (My endo did a study in the 2000s finding that probably a quarter of all people have a pituitary tumour and just never find out because it's subclinical, it's a fascinating area.) It will be up to science to figure out better treatments for that!

[@TheBaumcm]

That is the difficulty, that many endocrine disorders can both cause and be the symptom of weight gain. I was going through some pretty bad issues due to perimenopause but once I increased my activity, gradually, my brain started to “push” for better foods, which means I feel better overall both due to better nutritions and having lost weight as a by product.

[@MCscarfacematt]

after my stroke they left the bone flap out so long that when they went to put it back in and send me home my body rejected it I remember my discharge date vividly I had the surgery to put it back in I couldn't fall asleep my last night probably nerves to go back home but I tawned and popped a stitch they threw one back in, in the morning before sending me on my way home. we left hamilton general, as we were going up the mountain to upper james I felt something running down my neck so I wiped it away then looked at my mom and said I'm leaking I think we should go back we went back they just bandaged me up and sent me home again because I had a racing banquet that night. so I showed up with my head looking like how head injuries in movies look with a gauze bandage wrapped all around. that was really my first introduction to society after 4 months in the hospital. 2 weeks later I sprung a leak again and my head swelled so I went back they draind a urin sample cup full of fluid from my head to test they took the bone back out I stayed 2 weeks for the swelling to go down got out December 22nd was out for two weeks and the same thing happened it was two weeks home with my bone 2 weeks in without for 3 months before a nurse suggested just using a prosthetic piece

[@dorothea_walland]

leslie you rock, go girl!! you turned all the suffering and the time you "lost" into pure gold and you multiplied it million times. you are a ray of sunshine, hope and help to so many people!! ❤❤🎉

[@Jen-fp2rj]

I have dealt with obesity on and of all my life and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013 after symptoms had started 12 years prior, I searched so long for what was wrong with me I started to think that I was crazy and my weight ballooned: After my 4th child I was 338 lbs and suffering with edema of the feet and legs. My feet and legs would look like balloons and it was so painful, I am happy to say i have lost 91 lbs in the last year and the edema is no longer in my feet and only minor swelling in my legs, Obesity and your body malfunctioning can make you feel like you are losing you mind especially when you have doctors telling you nothing is wrong. Stay stong!

[@drinabooboo]

Wow!!! I had every symptom she had except diabetes over 10 years suffering. I saw 10 different docs and finally went to Roswell Cancer Center and had the same surgery in 2022. My tumor was 10mm and bleeding. Now I cut out sugar and am trying to continue to heal from the metabolic damage. It's taking long but I'm blessed to be on the road to progress after so many years of hell.

[@belenaguilar1348]

She is so resilient and patient. God bless her

[@wmr4463]

That was exhausting to listen to! I'm so sorry Leslie had to go through all that. I hope the worst is behind her and stays there. Blessings to Leslie

[@iSheree]

My cortisol is through the roof, I have all the signs but got diagnosed with thyroid cancer and the concerns about my cortisol were dismissed “we have to deal with the thyroid cancer first”. Since then, they haven’t been willing to look into it and I keep gaining weight.

[@bitrudder3792]

I hope you figure it out. Thomas Seyfried MD and his simple, safe and effective approach to cancer doesn't involve nausea, vomiting or going bald. It is also excellent for improving all manner of health issues. It is being used with success by a Hungarian clinic and by different doctors around the United States. My husband was a happy beneficiary of that was done with his cancer. he has also improved his health in many ways.… Just continuing on a modified eating plan. His practitioner has successfully treated others for cancer In the same natural way. As for me, I've watched people heal from many different kinds of diseases including different cancers, using various modalities. you will want to correct your light environment as a foundation. Black out your bedroom, pray if you wake up in the middle of the night, and don't look at your phone or other lighted clock. if you have to take a bathroom break at night, have a lap with an orange bulb at very low wattage if you need to see, to prevent triggering a cortisol release. You can use that quiet time to pray, forgive anyone that you might hold anything against, which is another stress reducer, and cortisol reducer. If you can do it without looking at a screen at night, listening to something soothing might help you get back to sleep. go outdoors first thing in the morning, rain or shine, to have your eyes exposed to morning daylight. Doesn't matter if it is sunny or cloudy. Go for a walk outside every day. Go to bed when it is dark, and only use an orange lightbulb after sunset. I think you'll be surprised and how this can help you calm down inflammation and cortisol. Follow your cancer markers periodically. It's ideal if you find a practitioner who understands both natural and allopathic cancer treatment, and who can understand you personally well enough to direct you toward allopathic, natural, or a combination of the two. For example, I recommended a supplement called mega hydrate to a friend who was doing traditional cancer therapy, but it kept being delayed because her blood count was terrible. The supplement really helped her renew her reserves so she could finish her treatment. And then she switched to doing a lot of raw juices as part of her lifestyle and has been free of cancer for at least a decade now. Gerson therapy protocols, more or less. But at the same time, people on a carnivore diet with intermittent fasting are finding that they do better with their chemo if they fast before and afterwards. Much less damaging. But people are getting rid of their cancer without doing chemotherapy at all. Or they do only a drug that slows the development of blood vessels that are specifically supportive to cancer growth. So much less stressful, traumatic, expensive. I wish you the best in your healing journey!

[@stephernoodle]

I’ve been struggling with a lot of these symptoms and didn’t realize they could be related… will have to bring this up to my PCP. Thanks for this informative video as always!!

[@raysha9932]

I had a chairy malformation and also had alot of these symptoms. It also has to do with the base of the brain and spinal cord .

[@janinerusinovich3040]

Sorry to hear that hope ur better now

[@Sincerelywendyy]

Good luck

[@rayray91764]

my first thought was PCOS definitely but was surprised it was actually Cushing's! That lady went through a lot. I sympathize with her 🙁I'm glad they were finally able to help her and that she's an advocate for others going through the same!

[@clairewheeler2937]

Horrible to hear how she suffered. Bless her for turning that suffering into a reason to help others rather than just feel bad for her own experience. That's a nice outcome to an awful situation.

[@wheelie26]

I love these videos that search and explain a specific condition and then work through treatment afterwards. This was a terrible thing for Leslie and I’m sorry she went through this but am very glad she recovered and is now doing great work to help others in her situation. Thanks to both ladies for this story.

[@nleem3361]

Thanks. My mom was recently diagnosed with Cushing syndrome. She retired from her stressful job and is trying not to stress about anything. It was so helpful for her to know what was going on with her hormones & adrenaline when she was getting worked up into hysterics. It made such a huge difference. Hopefully, she won't need the surgery. She has a spot on her pituitary gland, but the doc said it's not big enough to cause problems. Right now, I'm glad she's doing so much better. We'll have the docs continue to monitor adrenaline & cortisol levels.

[@franklinforge7806]

Amazing story that shared a rare condition but also relatable. Leslie went through so much and I'm glad she has become an advocate.

[@raysha9932]

I had a chairy malformation misdiagnosed for years got told i was a junkie trying to abuse pain meds until a neuro surgeon really listen to me and literally saved my life i was losing mobility and didnt know why qll these other symptoms

[@basantidevi2305]

Horrible. I thought I had Chiary malformation too but I didn't. I studied it alot. Glad you're all better.

[@raysha9932]

@@basantidevi2305 i got the surgery seven months pregnant headaches went away immediately got my hand and feet working but if i didn’t get that surgery i was going to be in a wheelchair

[@karencarlson2491]

That poor woman! What an ordeal! That is wonderful that she is now giving support to those going through similar trials! Thanks for sharing this medical mystery! It is very helpful. May it make me more empathetic to others going through challenging medical situations when there isn’t an end in sight.

[@StephanieMarconi]

I love the way you tell people's story, it feels like you genuinely care 💖 Your videos are the easiest for me to watch for medical stuff because your tone is very vibrant and energetic but in the most pleasant way. Thank you for touching on this very important matter, I feel like most doctors tend to forget about cortisol or hormone levels in general and as women they won't take us seriously and assume we are overreacting or just anxious.

[@PippaPipster]

WOW. That first surgeon screwed up and started the cascade. Didn't get all the tumor in the 1st place, then after the second surgery to fully remove leftover tumor tissue left behind, removed the *entire* pituitary. THEN she wasn’t closed up properly after the 2nd procedure AND spinal fluid was pouring out!? OMG... So much went wrong here. It's SO vital to research your physicians and skill level. Don't let some hack with a scalpel operate! I know - my husband went through something similar and nearly died. Suffers to this day from an unskilled surgeon. Sounds like a strong case for malpractice. Poor woman!

[@terryyoung9132]

Just horrifying how Leslie was misdiagnosed by doctors! She is amazing!! Wish her all the best for a lovely future.

[@mashaleng]

48 GP's, 2 dermatologists, 3 physicians, 1 oncologist all didn't see I had diabetes, over a period of forty years. I had 12 strokes; when you get pain in the back of your head and neck, get to your doctor right away. High blood pressure can lead to stroke.

[@lauracollins7067]

I was diagnosed with Cushings Disease in 2007 after only about 4 months of testing; I was lucky that my medical team found a small tumor on my pituitary gland quite quickly. My cortisol levels were sky high and they said that surgery for me was the only option at this point. I had all the symptoms (weight gain even while dieting/exercising, diabetes etc.) so surgery was scheduled for early December of that same year. They did exactly the same surgery, going through my nose but only removing half of my pituitary gland and even before I was out of recovery, they tested the cortisol levels and it was already in the high side of the normal range. Recovery was brutal with major headaches and loss of taste/smell (which returned a few months later), but they were pleased with the result as they said that it was rare that is surgery was successful, as with happened with Leslie. Unfortunately, it was discovered that this was not causing my weight gain, diabetes etc. and I still suffer from those issues, but the cortisol remains normal to this day.

[@drinabooboo]

Why didn't they just remove the tumor instead of half your pituitary? That's what my doc did and said he'll remove it if the tumor comes back or do radiation. I don't like either option. Do you take meds because they removed half of the pituitary?

[@lauracollins7067]

@@drinabooboo They did remove half of my pituitary because there we several, non-malignant tumors on just one side, so this was the best option to ensure they got it all. And apparently they did because thankfully, my body is working fine with no meds for it I was lucky.

[@drinabooboo]

@@lauracollins7067 Yes, that amazing that you don't need meds. Good to know that's a possibility. I couldn't find anyone without or half a pituitary to know of possible outcomes so thank you and Leslie for sharing.

[@JessTheEngiNerd]

Thank you for covering this. I'm going through testing for suspected cushings. I have consistent high cortisol. Unfortunately all the doctors I've seen are gaslighting me and telling me to just go on a diet and have a lifestyle change. That lifestyle change would be to quit my job and make sure someone else takes care of all my bills. Its just not possible. My job is not stressful. I am wide awake at 2AM and ready to sleep again at 8AM despite being on stimulants and sleep meds. My muscles are disappearing on my arms and legs and I keep gaining more fat at my middle.

[@TheBaumcm]

Muscle loss with a plump midsection is one of the key “signs”. High cortisol can cause reduced protein uptake.

[@ChaiLatte13]

Oh this lady had such a rough journey. To remove the pituitary, geez there's so much medication you have to take for life now to replace the hormones. :( I'm so glad that they were finally able to help her. I know for some people it can be difficult to diagnose cushings. It doesn't always appear and cycles like hers did after surgery.

[@klmjtr]

I just noticed you are at 1M followers! Yay! 🎉 Nice of Leslie to share her story. Glad it had a happy ending!

[@Lovebirdd]

It is amazing that she survived this ordeal. Thankful for her opening up!!

[@kayreeve.author]

Glad Leslie had success in the end. Her Instincts with persistence saved her.

[@simplesmeerkat1665]

I guessed correctly from the hirsuitism part! Yay for me a retired gastro nurse! This poor woman. She's certainly been through the mill!

[@peaceandpoems]

I am so happy Leslie finally got the help she needed. I had never been sick until 2023. Then it all hit at once. DCIS, lumpectomy, radiation, kidney stone, thyroid and parathyroid nodule, thyroidectomy, and then shingles, like icing on the cake, then depression and weight gain with synthroid. People, You are not alone when all hell breaks loose. God was with me. We all suffer at points in life, but dont give up.

[@adamcheaney7185]

Great video! Nice timing. I'm sitting in TW recovering from having a CSF leak repaired right now! Go UHN!!! And I am very happy to see you pass 1M. Gave me a big smile. 😊

[@gabriellegeorge2648]

Excellent video! It's great to be able to learn about a disease from someone's first-hand experience. The way you told the story and added medical explanations was easy to follow.

[@fredhoy6697]

Great episode. Poor woman. Since you live in your own body it seems counter intuitive that you would know what is going on with you. But sadly we're often the very last to know. I'm glad she got her answer and is now healthy. Bless you.

[@ashram12]

I think a lot of people can relate to Leslie's experience: you go to the doctor for a problem, but the doctors dismisses you. And I understand that, given the amount of patients doctors see, it's easy to jump to easy diagnosis like "You should go on a diet" because more often than not, THAT really is the issue. But when you're one of those rare outliers who isn't having a typical problem, it's just really difficult get the help you need...heck even when you know exactly what's wrong, the doctor won't listen. Medicine is a field that would really benefit from AI help, because doctors can see things with a certain bias or prejudice that can impede correct diagnosis, whereas a computer program could (hopefully) see things in a more impartial way.

[@gerardacronin334]

This was an excellent video that will help many people. Thank you both for making it and kudos to Leslie for sharing her story and advocating for people with Cushing’s disease.

[@CBD0000]

Dr. Siobhan, thank you so much for your educational videos. They're so interesting! I've developed so many symptoms over the past decade and often a mystery to me. Wish I could see you! Anyway, thank you for what you're doing! You're a joy to watch and listen to.

[@Aangel452]

Wow Leslie, Im so glad your cushings was finally cured. You certainly had a very extended battle, how brave you were, to make it through. I wish you much happiness ahead🌸

[@sharonm3677]

Incredible video. I’m so happy for Leslie and she totally described what so many patients experience. Glad she’s out there guiding others. ❤❤

[@Jason-su9tg]

So excited to see the content lately! Your videos are always so interesting. I think I missed my calling as a physician, but pharmacy turned out to be great for me as well. 🤷🏻‍♂️😊 Be well, Siobahn!

[@annarainexo]

What a fantastic case study! Thank you so much for allowing Dr. Siobhan, to share your story with us. This was excellent.

[@AmyMiller-wl4dq]

I have missed you and Mark so much!!! I absolutely love learning new things from your videos, and they're always worth the wait ❤! I'm a hospice nurse, and I think taking up the violin again would be a great release. Please keep the videos coming, I watch them all!! ❤❤❤❤

[@donnabremerman1423]

Wow! Thank goodness Leslie kept pursuing an answer. I am so happy for her getting control of her life again.

[@rosejones2932]

This lovely lady is inspiring for me to take my sufferings and use them to help others.

[@maryreinhardt2120]

So glad to see you 😊

[@bonitasmith8880]

YAAAAY! ITS ABOUT TIME!!! IVE MISSED YOU DOCTOR!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Frankaa-yg4wc]

What a great video about a horrible situation that Leslie went through! Oh I hope she is able to now help many! GBU all!

[@dharmaslife]

Thank you so much for this! Interesting timing as I have a visit with my endocrinologist this week

[@LeslieEdwin]

Feel free to reach out to CSRF if it's cortisol-related!

[@dregeminin1]

Thx Doc, Great video, very informative.! This lady is a champ. I’m so glad she was able to get the treatment she needed.

[@toregenekhatun480]

Had a family member that had this, she ended up at the Mayo Clinic for her surgery after she almost died in a car accident from falling asleep at the wheel. Woke up her doctors to her issues! Edited to add for my entire teen years I lived with high cortisol levels but they could never find a tumor, I have lived most of my life taking prednisone.

[@karennorris7880]

Wow! What a trooper! May she enjoy many years of good health and vitality on the road ahead. 🙂

[@mrmcbeth]

This is a great case academically. Thanks for sharing.

[@MzShonuff123]

I knew exactly what was happening when you listed the hirstuism and cystic acne; her picture from the side cemented it for me

[@susana3714]

Despite all the complications so glad you survived. Just so crazy and you’re so strong and brave. God bless!!!

[@Portia620]

This poor woman has been thru heck! Nothing I have been thru even compares to this mess! God Bless her! 🙏😢

[@nacmegfeegle2310]

Hugs to you Leslie. My son (adult, autistic) is obese and I am definitely going to ask for an endocrinology workup. Thanks.

[@bethancooper1431]

your videos are so interesting and you inspire me to peruse a career in medicine

[@tinaterlaje483]

What a journey! 😮 Thank you for sharing your story and information.

[@DeliciousPigeonCheez]

I can't imagine what it was like for Leslie to go through all of that, much worse that if it all happened in the US the financial costs of such extensive treatment. I also think that society treats people with obesity so poorly. There are automatic assumptions made and unfortunately, even though it should not happen, it is often very clear to see bias amongst some healthcare professionals.

[@KimmersF101]

I'm so happy you're fine now! I have Primary Addison's Disease and it sucks - and I'm stuck with it but, like I said, I'm so happy you're all better now!

[@stunnaskillz]

Wow! What a life story. Thank you for sharing Leslie. True eye opener.

[@eleena1035]

This was very eye opening. Thank you shioban for these medical mysteries it's educative and brings awareness,

[@impushon]

Hi, girl. You are my icon. I always wanted to be a part of health care. Now I'm in Optometry School. I'll always follow you cause you're a person who gives the patients hope. I'll be a health care provider just like you.❤❤ love from Bangladesh.

[@BasicDrumming]

I appreciate you and thank you for making content.

[@LH-021]

Leslie, I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. It's horrific to say the least. I whish you well going forward. 🌻 I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's (an auto-immune disease) thanks to my GP not just dismissing me... I am now researching how to deal with it. It really helps to finally get a confirmed diagnoses - to be able to understand what the h*ll was/is going on and go from there.

[@gwenissh6481]

I maybe out of the topic, but i love your hair, Siobhan! ❤

[@mikew1332]

I enjoy this style of video where finding the cause for disease is true detective work. Also, you're back! I have re-subscribed.

[@karenboyd6293]

I am so sorry that Leslie had to go through all of this and glad that she is now well. My adult daughter was admitted to the hospital after an 80# weight gain over a couple of weeks. She also has diabetes and was treated badly at though it was her fault. She was soon diagnosed with minimal change disease and treated. She could no longer work and was miserable for close to a year before she began to sabilize and enter remission. She lost almost two years before she could live a normal life again. Once a "little" thing goes wrong it can take a lot of pain and money to get well.

[@user-ul4nm1if2e]

What a brave, brave lady. Good luck and prays for her future. 👏🏻👏🏻💝

[@sarahm5251]

Amazing woman. I’m so glad she’s better.

[@emilydavidson275]

This is horrible the struggles this woman had to go through! My thoughts and prayers go out to her.

[@hockeyqueen]

Thank you for bringing attention to this. A lot of people, especially women, blame themselves when they start gaining weight, and they go on fad diets and work out too much to try and mitigate that. It can lead to even more problems and they need to realize that it has more to do with they’re hormones