Symptoms of High Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone generated by the adrenal glands that regulates blood sugar and metabolism, maintains blood pressure and inflammation, and manages the stress response.

When cortisol levels remain high for an extended period of time, they can lead to Cushing's syndrome, a rare disorder that affects only 10 to 15 persons per million each year.

Consistently high cortisol levels can lead to other issues, so it's critical to recognize the signs and symptoms so you can get the proper therapy. Many cases of Cushing's syndrome are curable.

Here are the symptoms of high cortisol levels in the body.

Weight Gain

Cortisol regulates your metabolism, so greater than usual cortisol levels might disrupt your metabolic rate, or the balance of energy you take in from food and the energy you spend (part of which comes from physical activity). When you consume more energy than you expend, you are prone to gain weight.

People with high cortisol may experience a slowing of their current metabolic rate, which means they may gain weight even when they don't modify their eating habits, but some experts aren't sure how much cortisol actually plays a part in regulating metabolism.

Skin & Hair Changes

People with Cushing's syndrome tend to bruise more readily and may develop more purple stretch marks on their tummy, thighs, and arms. This is because cortisol is a glucocorticoid, or steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal gland, and an excess of glucocorticoid can thin and weaken the skin, causing visible damage to the upper layers.

Increased levels of cortisol and androgens in Cushing's syndrome can also induce hair growth, known as hirsutism, which commonly affects the face and neck. Meanwhile, excessive cortisol levels can alter the natural hair growth cycle, causing some women to lose their hair or go bald.

Mental Health Changes

High cortisol, also known as Cushing's syndrome, is associated with anxiety, despair, and mood swings, though scientists are unsure how the disorder produces these symptoms.

In some situations, it's likely because cortisol impacts brain alterations that induce anxiety, depression, and even insomnia, but it's also possible that living with a chronic illness like Cushing's syndrome has non-biological consequences on mood as well.

In other words, the stress and uncertainty of chronic illness can lead to increased anxiety and agitation, as well as depression. According to certain research, at least half of Cushing's syndrome patients also suffer from a serious depressive disorder.

Fatigue

If your cortisol levels are high, you may feel fatigued and weaker than usual, as well as more specific muscle weakness. This is because excessive cortisol levels can promote muscle atrophy over time, weakening the shoulders, hips, and thighs in particular, making it harder to move around comfortably.

Reproductive Effects

Cushing's syndrome can cause fertility problems in both men and women, as well as more specific reproductive changes, due to high cortisol levels affecting the normal functioning of the testicles and ovaries.

Men may be more susceptible to erectile dysfunction, poor sperm count, and reduced sexual drive. Women may have irregular or no periods, making it more difficult to conceive. Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and early delivery.

Men who are treated for Cushing's syndrome and are in remission are more likely to have their reproductive side effects reversed. Women may find it easier to conceive after treatment, but others still have impaired ovarian function.

A Quick Review

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates several body activities, including stress, blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune system activity.

Cortisol levels can rise in response to stress or certain drugs, but Cushing's syndrome is the most prevalent cause of sustained high cortisol. If you notice sudden weight gain (especially on your face or back), changes in your skin or hair, reproductive changes such as irregular periods or loss of libido, or muscle weakness and fatigue, you may have high cortisol levels and should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Source: الشامل