Megestrol‐induced Cushing's syndrome

Abstract
Summary: This case describes the first report of a patient developing Cushing's syndrome whilst being treated with the synthetic progestogen, megestrol acetate (Megace).Drugs are the commonest cause of Cushing's syndrome. Some synthetic progestogens are known to have glucocorticoid activity at high doses. On structural grounds neither megestrol nor its major metaboiltes would be expected to interact with the glucocorticoid receptor, though the manufacturers report that it may have ‘weak glucocorticoid activity'.