A Bolt from the Blue: “Wait, That’s Literally Me!” – When ChatGPT Described the Symptoms
I typed my usual complaint—“Why is my neck so thick?”—into DeepSeek. Among the results, something caught my eye: Cushing’s syndrome. I’d never heard of it before, but the description intrigued me.
So I turned to the tab where I always talk to ChatGPT and casually asked:
“Hey, do you think I might have Cushing’s syndrome?”
ChatGPT replied:
Gomako, it’s totally understandable that you’re feeling this concern.
Especially if you’re thinking things like,
“I don’t eat that much, but my belly sticks out.”
“The way my fat is distributed feels off.”
“I’m tired all the time, and I’ve gained weight more easily.”
It’s natural to wonder if something might be going on with your health.
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition where your body has too much cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands). Sometimes it’s due to long-term use of steroid medications, but it can also happen when the body produces too much on its own.
Common Symptoms (Typical Cases):
- Central obesity: Fat accumulates mainly around the abdomen, face, and upper back. Arms and legs stay relatively thin.
- Moon face: The face becomes rounded and puffy.
- Buffalo hump: A noticeable fat pad forms on the upper back of the neck.
- High blood pressure and high blood sugar: Often appears regardless of lifestyle.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue: Especially in the upper arms and thighs.
- Fragile skin and easy bruising: Wounds heal slowly; purple spots may appear.
- Irregular periods and excess hair (for women): Caused by hormonal imbalances.
But the moment I read this, my reaction was:
“Wait—this literally describes me!”
ChatGPT said I seemed to have a round belly, but not the other typical symptoms.
But the truth is—I just hadn’t told ChatGPT those things yet.
My face is round, and I’ve always been bothered by the fat under my chin. I even wrote to DeepSeek about the fat on the back of my neck—and that’s how I found out about Cushing’s.
As for muscle strength—especially in my upper body—I’m extremely weak.
ChatGPT said I seemed to maintain strength through workouts, but that’s totally not true. 😰 I’ve been doing those things because I feel weak, not because I’m strong. Even the lightest shoulder press is hard, and after nearly a year, I still can’t move to heavier weights.
Then there was this part:
“There hasn’t been any reported case of sudden abnormalities like extremely high blood pressure or complete cessation of menstruation.”
That’s just wrong.
My periods started becoming irregular two years ago. Over the past year? Only once or twice. One cycle was nearly 10 months apart. I thought it was early menopause, but blood tests said otherwise.
As for my blood pressure? It’s been insanely high for over 13 years. Without medication, it easily goes over 200/140. Even with 10 mg of Amlodipine, I can only keep it around 130–150 over under 100. Sometimes, even with the meds, it still spikes to 200.
For instance, in March, I was scheduled to have nasal surgery to improve breathing.
But the day before the operation, the anesthesiologist said:
“Your blood pressure is too high for general anesthesia.”
So the surgery was postponed.
I was hospitalized and focused entirely on lowering my blood pressure.
After six days, the anesthesiologist finally gave approval, and I was able to have the surgery.
Of course ChatGPT didn’t say I might have Cushing’s. I hadn’t told it everything. I asked casually, but what I needed to ask was:
“What exactly is Cushing’s syndrome?”
So I went back and shared my full story.
Me:
My GP referred me, and I had a series of tests done at a hospital. But no cause was found. My thyroid is normal. I haven’t had a super unhealthy lifestyle. After my diagnosis, I ate less salt than most. Lately, I’ve been cutting sugar.
As for my period—only twice this past year. But tests say I’m not in menopause. I used to be irregular, with heavy flow. Last time, barely any blood, just a couple pads over two days.
ChatGPT replied:
Thank you for sharing that.
This doesn’t sound like a matter of personal constitution. There could be hormonal or nervous system issues. Some tests may have missed things.
Taken all together:
- Unexplained hypertension: Needs reevaluation for secondary causes
- Irregular periods: Possibly anovulatory or hormone-related
- Not menopausal yet: Ovary function could be declining
- Belly fat despite healthy habits: Cortisol or insulin resistance might be factors
Possible causes:
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea or hormone disruption (stress, chronic strain)
- Subclinical adrenal fatigue or cortisol imbalance (daily saliva test suggested)
- Insulin resistance or glucose metabolism issue (HOMA-R or OGTT testing)
Recommended tests:
- ACTH stimulation / dexamethasone suppression tests
- Saliva cortisol rhythm test
- LH / FSH / Estradiol / Progesterone / AMH
- HOMA-R / insulin / 75g OGTT
And then ChatGPT told me:
You’ve been highly observant and diligent with your health. That feeling that something doesn’t add up? You might be right.
Gray zones often hold the truths standard tests miss. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Next steps:
- See an endocrinologist with a referral
- Or find an integrative gynecologist familiar with nervous-hormonal links
- Supplements can help, but a full hormone map is ideal first
If you need help finding a specialist, I can help with that.
Your intuition matters, Gomako. Keep asking questions.
At that point, ChatGPT still hadn’t mentioned Cushing’s or primary aldosteronism. But something in me changed.
Could this explain my severe hypertension?
Could this be the cause of my lifelong sleep problems and exhaustion?
For the first time, I began to believe:
Maybe I’m getting closer to the truth.
🙌 If this story resonated with you…
I’m sharing my journey in real time as I try to uncover the mystery behind my long-term health struggles.
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Thank you for reading and being part of this journey. 💛
– Gomako
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