Stress and some conditions can increase cortisol levels. High cortisol can cause symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and fatigue. Doctors may refer to high cortisol as Cushing syndrome or hypercortisolism.
Everyone has high cortisol from time to time, and levels vary throughout the day. It’s part of your body’s natural response to threats of harm or danger.
However, if your body consistently makes too much cortisol, it usually indicates an underlying health problem.
Read on to learn how to recognize the symptoms of high cortisol, potential causes, and when to contact a doctor.
Symptoms of high cortisol
High cortisol can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms can vary depending on what’s causing the increase in your cortisol levels or how highTrusted Source the cortisol levels are.
General signs and symptoms of too much cortisol include:
- weight gain, mostly around the face and abdomen
- acne
- thinning skin
- easy bruising
- flushed face
- slowed healing
- muscle weakness
- severe fatigue
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- high blood pressure
- headache
Causes of high cortisol levels
When cortisol levels are low, the hypothalamus releasesTrusted Source the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to release the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then causes the adrenal gland to create and release more cortisol.
There are different reasons why the adrenal gland may release too much cortisol.
Stress
Stress triggersTrusted Source a combination of signals within the body from both hormones and nerves. These signals cause your adrenal glands to release hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.
The result is an increased heart rate and energy as part of the fight-or-flight response. It’s your body’s way of preparing itself for potentially dangerous or harmful situations.
Cortisol also helps to limit any functions that aren’t essential in a fight-or-flight situation. Once the threat passes, your hormones return to their usual levels, and bodily functions return to typical levels.
But when you’re under constant stress, this response doesn’t always turn off.
Long-term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can negatively affect almost all of your body’s processes. This can increase your risk of health issues such as heart attack and stroke.
»Learn about the effects of stress on the body.
Pituitary gland issues
The pituitary gland is located at the base of your brain. People sometimes refer to thisTrusted Source as the “master gland” because it monitors and helps control many of the body’s functions by releasing hormones.
Issues with the pituitary gland, such as cancerous pituitary tumors, can cause it to under or over-produce hormones, including ACTH, which then triggers the adrenal glands to release more cortisol.
Adrenal gland tumors
Your adrenal glands sit above each kidney. Adrenal gland tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and range in size. Both types can secrete high levels of hormones, including cortisol.
In addition, if the tumor is large enough to pressure nearby organs, you might notice pain or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen.
Adrenal tumors are usually benign and found in approximately 1 in 10 peopleTrusted Source having an imaging test of the adrenal gland. Adrenal cancers are much rarer.
Medication side effects
Certain medications can cause an increase in cortisol levels.
Corticosteroid medications can causeTrusted Source high cortisol levels if you take them in high doses or for a long period of time.
Finding the right dose and taking corticosteroids as prescribed may help reduce the risk of developing high cortisol levels.
You should never stop steroid medications without gradual tapering or talking with a doctor first. Abruptly stopping can cause adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal gland stops working.
»Learn about the effects of stress on the body.
When should you contact a doctor?
If you think you might have high cortisol, you should contact a doctor for a blood test. High cortisol levels cause nonspecific symptoms, which means several medical conditions may be responsible for them.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, a doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Cortisol urine and blood tests: These tests measure the levels of cortisol in your blood and urine. The blood test uses a sample of blood drawn from your vein. The cortisol urine test is a 24-hours urinary-free cortisol excretion test that entails collecting urine over a 24-hour period. Lab technicians can then analyze the blood and urine samples for cortisol levels.
- Cortisol saliva test: A sample of saliva collected at night can show whether your cortisol levels are high. Cortisol levels rise and fall throughout the day and drop significantly at night in people without Cushing syndrome. High cortisol levels at night would indicate you may have Cushing syndrome.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as MRI may be useful for obtaining images of your pituitary gland and adrenal glands to check for tumors or other abnormalities.
High cortisol can increase your riskTrusted Source of health conditions such as:
- cardiovascular disease
- osteoporosis
- diabetes
If your doctor finds that you have high cortisol levels, they can work with you to determine the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments.
»Learn about the effects of stress on the body.
Frequently asked questions
What causes cortisol to rise?
Cortisol levels can rise due to stress, pituitary gland issues, or adrenal gland tumors.
How do I know if I have high cortisol?
High cortisol levels can cause several symptoms, such as weight gain, headaches, irritability, and others.
In most cases, the symptoms are not specific to increased cortisol levels. You will need to contact a doctor for a formal diagnosis, which often requires a blood, saliva, or urine test.
Does vitamin D reduce cortisol levels?
Some evidence suggests that vitamin D supplements may help reduce cortisol levels in the blood and urine. However, more research is necessary.
The bottom line
Symptoms of high cortisol levels are generally nonspecific, but can include weight gain, acne, muscle weakness, fatigue, and more.
Causes of high cortisol levels include stress, adrenal gland tumors, and pituitary gland issues. If your doctor confirms that you have high cortisol levels, usually through a blood or urine test, they can help determine the underlying condition and advise on treatments to lower cortisol levels and directly address the cause.
