Both stress and a number of other underlying medical issues can cause elevated cortisol levels. Excessive fatigue, acne, and weight gain are just a few of the symptoms that people with elevated cortisol levels may have.
Since cortisol levels often fluctuate throughout the day, everyone occasionally encounters elevated levels. In actuality, this is how your body protects itself from possible risks or hazards. On the other hand, if your body consistently overproduces cortisol, it can be a sign of underlying medical disorders such Cushing syndrome or hypercortisolism. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment by reading on.
What is cortisol?
Your adrenal gland generates the steroid hormone cortisol, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis controls the amount of cortisol your body needs to release. Most cells in your body have cortisol receptors. Among the roles of cortisol are:
- Controls blood sugar levels
- Lessens inflammation
- Controls metabolism
- Regulates the sleep-wake cycle
- Controls blood pressure
Cortisol is crucial for good health; your body constantly monitors cortisol levels to keep them constant. On the other hand, excessive cortisol levels can result in a number of unpleasant symptoms.
What are the symptoms of high cortisol levels?
The entire body may experience the signs of elevated cortisol levels. Additionally, the symptoms typically differ from person to person based on the cause of elevated cortisol levels. Among the common symptoms are:
- Severe fatigue
- Headache
- Acne
- Weight gain, especially in the upper back and in the face
- Easy bruising
- Thinning of the skin
- Flushed face
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability
What factors lead to elevated cortisol levels?
Cushing syndrome is often defined as having excessively high cortisol levels for an extended length of time. The following are the main reasons why cortisol levels are elevated:
- Pituitary gland issues: Often referred to as the “master gland,” the pituitary gland is situated near the base of the brain and controls a number of bodily processes by producing essential hormones. Therefore, under- or over-production of various hormones might result from pituitary gland issues. Cortisol levels can rise as a result of pituitary disorders, including hyperpituitarism, benign pituitary tumors, and malignant pituitary tumors.
- Tumor of the adrenal gland: The adrenal gland is situated above the kidneys. Both malignant and non-cancerous adrenal tumors have the ability to raise several hormone levels, including cortisol.
- Side effects of medications: Elevated cortisol levels are a possible side effect of some medications. Oral contraceptives and cortisol levels have been linked in some research. However, corticosteroids that are used to treat arthritis, asthma, and various cancers can also raise cortisol levels.
When should I visit a physician?
You should see a doctor and get tested if you think you may have elevated cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can be caused by a number of illnesses because they typically result in non-specific symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms that could be caused by elevated cortisol levels, your physician may suggest certain clinical testing, such as a blood test. Packages for thyrocare blood tests include a cortisol test.
Long-term exposure to elevated cortisol levels can have detrimental effects on your health and raise your chance of contracting several diseases. To keep an eye on your general health, it would be prudent to have a thyrocare complete body examination once a year.
