Can you spot this before the labs come in? 4 signs of high cortisol
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"Cortisol promotes fat deposition in specific areas while stimulating muscle protein breakdown, leading to muscle wasting and central fat accumulation." — Martina Ambardjieva, MD, PhD, urologist
“Since cortisol suppresses the immune system, high levels can leave someone more prone to infections or slow recovery from injuries." — Raj Dasgupta, MD, internal medicine physician at Huntington Health
Over the past year, there’s been a sudden and intense interest in what causes and prevents high cortisol levels.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, often gets a bad rap. But it’s an important hormone to have in the body—at least at healthy levels—as it helps regulate the immune system, metabolism, and inflammatory response.[]
April is Stress Awareness Month
Stress isn’t just a feeling—it’s a physiological response that spikes cortisol levels, impacting both mental and physical health. Read all our latest coverage on the topic:
High cortisol can cause a mix of physical and mental health symptoms, from mood swings and irritability to frequent illnesses and trouble sleeping, says Raj Dasgupta, MD, an internal medicine physician at Huntington Health.
While diagnostic testing is the only way to discover whether someone’s cortisol levels are abnormally high, there are a few clues to look out for.[] Here are four of the most important things to watch for in your patients.
Abnormal fat deposition
One sign that a person may be dealing with excess cortisol is if fat is deposited irregularly throughout their body.
Martina Ambardjieva, MD, PhD, a urologist at Dr Telx, says you might see truncal obesity with thin limbs and a round face. Why? “Cortisol promotes fat deposition in specific areas while stimulating muscle protein breakdown, leading to muscle wasting and central fat accumulation,” she says.
According to Dr. Dasgupta, cortisol helps regulate fat storage. When the hormone is elevated, fat accumulates near the abdomen and face.
“This pattern happens because cortisol encourages fat storage in areas near vital organs, like the liver and heart, [to] prepare the body for 'survival mode,'” Dr. Dasgupta says.
Mood disturbances
Another sign? Psychological symptoms like anxiety or mood swings. Dr. Ambardjieva says that this can occur because high cortisol levels can overstimulate the central nervous system, putting wear and tear on the body, per the American Psychological Association.[]
In response, people may become irritable, have difficulty concentrating, and feel frustrated. Some may experience burnout, fatigue, and lower tolerance to stress, according to the National Institutes of Health.[]
Insomnia
Some people with elevated cortisol levels have trouble falling and staying asleep. According to Dr. Ambardjieva, cortisol can disrupt circadian rhythms and stimulate the central nervous system.
This, in turn, can disrupt sleep and lead to restlessness. “If cortisol levels stay high, [this] can keep a person feeling alert when they should be winding down,” Dr. Dasgupta adds.
Frequent illness
Dr. Dasgupta says that some people with high cortisol levels may frequently get sick or their wounds may take a long time to heal. The body diverts energy from battling infectious diseases to coping with the ongoing stress, he explains.
Over time, this can lead to a weakening of the immune system. “Since cortisol suppresses the immune system, high levels can leave someone more prone to infections or slow recovery from injuries,” Dr. Dasgupta tells MDLinx.
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