Which symptom indicates that a patient may have Cushing's syndrome?

Weight gain is a hallmark symptom of Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. In this condition, patients often exhibit central obesity, characterized by fat accumulation in the abdominal region, alongside a rounded face and increased fat around the neck. This redistribution of body fat is one of the key features that can help differentiate Cushing's syndrome from other endocrine disorders.

Additionally, patients may also experience other symptoms, such as easy bruising, thinning skin, and muscle weakness, which are associated with the effects of excess cortisol on the body. The weight gain seen in Cushing's syndrome is often coupled with changes in metabolism and increased appetite.

The other symptoms listed, such as hypoglycemia, severe hypotension, and severe paresthesia, are not typical indicators of Cushing's syndrome. Instead, these symptoms might point towards different clinical conditions or endocrine disorders. For instance, hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with adrenal insufficiency rather than excess cortisol. Severe hypotension could indicate a more acute adrenal crisis, while severe paresthesia might suggest a neurological issue unrelated to the hormonal imbalances seen in Cushing's syndrome.