Male: presentation at younger age, higher UFC and ACTH, lower sensitivity of high dose dexamethasone test, more symptoms indicative of hypercatabolic state (osteoporosis, muscle wasting, striae, nephrolithiasis), more often negative pituitary imaging, and immediate and late surgical outcome less favorable (lower surgical success rate and more frequent recurrence).Both sexes: similar time interval between appearance of first symptoms of hypercortisolism and diagnosis. Same percentage macroadenoma. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is Striae distensae.