High Cortisol Levels Symptoms

Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, and its production is stimulated by another hormone, known as adrenal cortical stimulating hormone (ACTH), synthesized by the pituitary gland. The hormone plays some vital roles in the human body by regulating blood pressure and controlling the level of blood sugar. It also plays a significant role in the functioning of the immune system and regulation of the inflammatory response of the body.

Stress or anxiety is the most important factor that stimulates the release of cortisol. Release of this hormone can be termed as a response of the body to physical and mental stress. Hypercortisolism or high cortisol level is, therefore, often attributed to prolonged stress. An occasional increase in the level of cortisol may not present any major problem. But, a prolonged case, can produce adverse effects on the immune functions and fertility, and eventually, lead to the condition, known as Cushing's syndrome.

Causes of High Cortisol Levels

Stress is the most important and common factor that causes elevated cortisol levels. However, an individual has to be under constant stress to produce high level of cortisol for a prolonged time period. Other than stress, elevated cortisol level can be caused by, hyperthyroidism, adrenal tumor and cancer, pituitary dysfunction due to a tumor or adenoma, pregnancy and increased physical activities. Even certain medications like, anti-inflammatory steroid medications and some oral contraceptives can lead to a high level of cortisol in the body.

High Cortisol Levels Symptoms

High level of cortisol in the blood disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, and hence, its ability to prevent infection and diseases. This makes the individuals with this condition more prone to infections and ulcers. It can also hinder the functioning of the thyroid gland, and causes high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. However, the symptoms may not be experienced immediately. The symptoms of this condition have been observed to appear slowly and gradually.

The people with an elevated level of cortisol for a considerable length of time, have been observed to develop obesity with a peculiar body type. Fat deposition mainly takes place in the abdominal area and trunk of such individuals, while their limbs look very skinny or slender. In addition to these, fats also accumulates around the neck and on the upper back. An increase in abdominal fat in turn, makes the individuals more vulnerable to conditions like, heart attacks, strokes and an increase in the level of LDL cholesterol.

Some other symptoms include, changes in the skin conditions leading to increased sensitivity, acne in the face and appearance of purple colored stretch marks on the body, especially in areas like, the stomach, thigh and breast. The condition can also take a toll on the cognitive ability of the affected individual. Even people may suffer from emotional disorders like, depression, paranoia and anxiety due to elevated levels of this hormone. Muscle weakness, bone weakness are some other important cortisol imbalance symptoms.

In women, the conditions can manifest in irregularities in menstrual cycle and sometimes, the cycle can stop altogether. Some other notable symptoms of this condition in women are increase in the growth of facial and body hair and infertility. The condition can also lower sex drive in men. On the other hand, a low level of cortisol too can present many health related issues including, chronic fatigue, exhaustion and a condition, known as Addison's disease. Fatigue, weakness, muscle and joint pain, weight loss, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, depression and irritability are considered as some of the major low cortisol levels symptoms.

The level of cortisol is often determined with the help of blood, urine and saliva test. The treatment mainly depends on stress management. Identifying and eliminating the factors that cause stress, eating a nutritious diet; low in sugar, and getting enough rest are some of the important measures required for stress management. However, if it is associated with some physical problems like tumors or cancer, then additional diagnostic tests and treatment options would be required to address the condition. Further treatment would therefore depend on identifying the actual disorders, responsible for stimulating an increased production of cortisol hormone.