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 of Cushing’s is excessive alcohol intake. This is called pseudo-Cushing’s. This is thought to occur due to an effect on the liver which decreases the clearance of cortisol, resulting in excessive urinary cortisol and symptoms. The question about alcohol intake is not meant to be derogatory, but to assess the effect of alcohol. If Cushing’s is caused by excessive alcohol intake, stopping drinking resolves the Cushing’s.

During Cushing’s and the recovery period, alcohol in moderation, e.g. one or two glasses of wine, 1 drink per day, is probably not harmful but may contribute to symptoms of depression which may also be present with Cushing’s. My advice is to minimize alcohol intake during this period.

By Dr. Mary Lee Vance MD (Summer, 1999)