Living with Glucocorticoid resistance
A rare hormone condition in which the body responds less to cortisol-type hormones, with effects that range from none to high blood pressure and hormone changes.
Understanding Glucocorticoid resistance
Effects vary widely. Some people have no symptoms and only changes in blood tests. Others can have high blood pressure, acne, extra hair, early puberty, male-pattern hair loss, anxiety, depression, and menstrual irregularities in women or low sperm count in men. Girls may have ambiguous genitalia at birth. It can appear at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- High blood pressure
- Acne
- Extra body hair (hirsutism)
- Fatigue
- Light or infrequent periods
- Enlarged adrenal glands
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, hormone specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in NR3C1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the NR3C1 gene cause this condition. GARD lists both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance.
Also known as: cortisol resistance from glucocorticoid receptor defect; gccr deficiency; gcr deficiency; generalized glucocorticoid resistance syndrome; glucocorticoid receptor deficiency; glucocorticoid resistance, generalized
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Glucocorticoid resistance.
Explore research for Glucocorticoid resistance
Explore actively recruiting Glucocorticoid resistance studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Glucocorticoid resistance with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Glucocorticoid resistance studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Glucocorticoid resistance
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Glucocorticoid resistance experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.