Symptom Finder - Stretch Marks
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks in women are usually related to obesity or past or present pregnancies. However, if they are purple (purple striae), they may indicate Cushing syndrome. This holds true for purple striae in men also. In these cases one should look for moon faces, a buffalo hump, centripetal obesity, and hirsutism. To help confirm the diagnosis, one can order a serum cortisol or 24-hour urine ketosteroid or hydroxysteroid test to pin down the diagnosis. If these are positive, an endocrinologist should be consulted.
Stretch marks in women are usually related to obesity or past or present pregnancies. However, if they are purple (purple striae), they may indicate Cushing syndrome. This holds true for purple striae in men also. In these cases one should look for moon faces, a buffalo hump, centripetal obesity, and hirsutism. To help confirm the diagnosis, one can order a serum cortisol or 24-hour urine ketosteroid or hydroxysteroid test to pin down the diagnosis. If these are positive, an endocrinologist should be consulted.