The High-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test is a hormonal test that evaluates how the body’s cortisol production responds to a high dose of dexamethasone, a synthetic steroid. It is primarily used in the evaluation of Cushing syndrome and may help differentiate between certain causes of excessive cortisol production, particularly pituitary-dependent Cushing disease and other sources of ACTH excess.
It is mainly used during the evaluation of Cushing syndrome and can help distinguish certain causes of excess cortisol production.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, stress responses, and immune function.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts similarly to cortisol and can suppress ACTH production under normal physiological conditions.
Cushing syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to excessive cortisol or cortisol-like hormones.