Question: During diagnosis, I was asked if I was an alcoholic and was told that alcoholics can show Cushing’s symptoms. Does this mean that I should not drink alcohol while my cortisol levels are high and during the recovery period? Answer: The issue of alcohol is quite important. One cause of developing symptoms and signs… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Doctor’s Answers
Cortisol Levels and Stress
Question: I have been under constant, extreme stress for the past year and am now being tested for Cushing’s. Can chronic stress cause elevated cortisol levels in the 24 hr urine test, the low dose dexamethasone test and the night-time salivary cortisol test? Also, can extreme stress cause Cushing’s symptoms? Answer: Stress may certainly increase… Continue Reading
Cortisol Levels and Exercise
Question: Does strenuous exercise effect cortisol levels? If so, should I avoid exercise during a 24 hr urine test and/or for how long before starting the test? Answer: Strenuous exercise may be stressful enough to increase cortisol levels transiently. If one wishes to obtain a perfect baseline cortisol level it would be best to avoid… Continue Reading
Blood Sugar and the Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Question: I am being tested for Cushing’s and my blood sugars are already running 400-600. I have been asked to do an overnight dexamethasone suppression test. I am afraid that the dex will further increase my blood sugar. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Dexamethasone can increase blood sugar. You definitely should not receive dexamethasone… Continue Reading
The Hyopthalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis
Question: My doctor talks about the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-system. What is this and what does it have to do with Cushing’s? Answer: The hypothalamic – pituitary -adrenal system is the body’s normal system for producing cortisol. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, produces a hormone called CRH. CRH travels to the pituitary gland, located just below,… Continue Reading
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