10 Warning Signs Of High Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands. It is a glucocorticoid and is released in response to low blood sugar levels and also during stress. It is very essential for the maintenance of several functions in the body. It maintains the blood sugar levels. It plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. It helps regulate the immune system of our body. Cortisol is released by the body when we are under any pressure, it is therefore known as the ‘stress hormone’.

There Are Several Signs That Serve To Warn You Could Be Having A Raised Cortisol Levels In The Blood.

1. Mood Swings

Raised cortisol levels could lead to mood swings. There is anxiety. There could also be panic attacks. On the other hand, raised cortisol levels suppress the serotonin levels, leading to feeling low and gloomy. The sleep disturbance and the fatigue all adds to the trouble.

2. Muscle Aches

Raised cortisol levels leads to a rise in prolactin levels. This in turn increases the body’s sensitivity to pain. It also increases the brain’s sensitivity to perceive the pain triggers. Thus there could be muscle aches particularly headache and backache.

3. Rise In Infections

Cortisol normally helps in fighting infections and controlling inflammation. A raised cortisol levels suppress the body’s immune system. Thus the person catches infections easily, on the slightest exposure. It could be even a common cold. There could also be impaired wound healing.

4. Weight Gain

Raised cortisol levels increases the chances of weight gain even if you have been taking control of your diet and exercising regularly. The calories are not utilized by the body and they accumulate. The fat deposition is mostly around the waist.

5. Impairs Digestion

Raised cortisol levels reduces the production of enzymes needed for digestion. The absorption of certain nutrients and minerals are also impaired. Nausea, heartburn, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or constipation could all be experienced as a result.

6. Sleep Disturbance

Normally the levels of cortisol are high in the morning which makes you feel fresh and energetic in the morning. It decreases at night, helping you feel relaxed and sleep easily. This cycle is disrupted leading to sleep disturbance. The cortisol levels do not go down at night. Thus there is trouble in falling asleep even if you feel tired.

7. Chronic Fatigue

There is constantly a feeling of tiredness or a chronic fatigue. The body is under stress due to the sleep disturbance. This ultimately makes you feel tired and fatigued.

8. Bone Troubles

The raised cortisol increases the risk of getting fractures of the bone. There is an increased risk for developing osteoporosis as well.

9. Heart Diseases

Cortisol helps in maintaining several functions of the heart and stabilize the heart rate. But a raised cortisol level impairs this mechanism. It could lead to palpitations, shortness of breath etc. There is likely to be a rise in the blood pressure as well. An insulin resistance caused by high cortisol levels could lead to diabetes mellitus as well.

10. Premature Ageing Of Skin

A raised cortisol level is usually associated with signs of premature ageing of the skin. There could be dullness of the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles could also appear. Another noticeable change in the skin is the appearance of stretch marks. There could also be increased growth of facial hair especially in women. Baldness could also result from increased cortisol. Acne is another sign of raised cortisol levels.