9. Alcohol-Induced Cushing’s Syndrome: When the Bottle Takes a Toll
The word is out: excessive alcohol consumption isn’t just a ticket to liver issues; it could be a one-way ride to Cushing’s city. That’s right—alcohol, particularly when abused, can be a cause of Cushing’s syndrome. The reasons aren’t just biochemical; they’re downright intriguing.
The cortisol-boosting effects of alcohol are multifold. Sure, it triggers the adrenal glands, but there’s also a psychological angle. Stress often leads to alcohol consumption, which in turn increases cortisol levels. It’s a circle that feeds into itself—more stress, more alcohol, more cortisol. A merry-go-round that’s not so merry, unfortunately.
But that’s not all. Let’s talk specifics. Binge-drinking episodes can cause a cortisol spike akin to traumatic stress. That’s right—your body equates that alcohol flood with life-threatening scenarios, setting off a hormonal cascade you’d rather not have.
You’d think this is a clear-cut case, but it’s not. Treating alcohol-induced Cushing’s is a tricky business. While reducing alcohol consumption is an obvious step, the physiological changes often take a while to reverse. Plus, coping mechanisms need to be introduced to replace the dependency on alcohol. (9)
