5 signs your cortisol levels are too high

Although it is called a stress hormone, cortisol is much more than that and is very important in the body.

Google searches related to cortisol are often increasing, especially searches for “how to reduce cortisol” or “high cortisol symptoms”.

“Although cortisol is immediately associated with stress, it is much more than that. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands (which are located above the kidneys) and helps the body control stress, function of the immune system, regulate metabolism, maintain blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Hence, the human body needs cortisol to maintain a healthy hormonal balance. But the current lifestyle is constantly associated with excessive production of this hormone, which results in chronic and prolonged stress, which is highly harmful,” he explains. Debora Berangerendocrinologist with specialization in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro (SCMRJ).

There are some signs that make a difference in whether this is a problem to worry about.

Excess abdominal fat

Excess cortisol can make you more likely to overeat or make poor decisions when it comes to what foods to eat.

“Weight gain around your stomach isn’t just an indication that you’re eating something wrong, it’s also the direct result of excess cortisol in your system. When the body is under stress, cortisol and adrenaline (another hormone produced as part of the stress response) are released to help prepare the body to deal with the situation. This increases the body’s metabolic rate and releases stored glucose, but the glucose that is not used is converted into fat and stored in the abdomen,” explains the endocrinologist.

The reason this accumulates quickly is due to the type of stress threat faced, which is less likely to be physical (like running away from a tiger) and more likely psychological (like an overflowing inbox).

“For this reason, you are less likely to burn this glucose, which means that most of it ends up directly in your belly,” explains the doctor.

Interrupted sleep

An out-of-control cortisol curve can wreak havoc with your sleep patterns, so any difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night could be a sign that your cortisol levels are out of whack, according to your endocrinologist.

“A healthy cortisol curve is characterized by high cortisol levels in the morning, which slowly decline before reaching a low level before bed. A misaligned curve is essentially the opposite: higher-than-desired levels at night, which can cause wakefulness and restlessness and prevent you from getting enough sleep. For this reason, it is also common for these patients to wake up tired, regardless of how long they have slept,” explains Deborah.

Skin changes

Acne, a puffy or overly rounded face (sometimes called a moon face) are more immediate signs of high stress. In the case of acne the explanation is the release of stored glucose.

“In predisposed patients, excess sugar in the blood can favor the appearance of acne,” explains the doctor.

In the case of bloating, it occurs when excess cortisol encourages the body to store excess fat on the sides of the face.

“This can cause the body to retain excess water, which could also explain why your face appears puffier than usual when you’re stressed. In some cases, a swollen face is also a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, which occurs when the body produces too much cortisol or receives too much cortisol due to prolonged use of drugs such as steroids,” explains Deborah.

Slow and compromised healing

Cuts, bruises, or soreness that just don’t seem to get better can also be the result of too much cortisol.

“Higher-than-normal levels of the hormone inhibit the production of molecules called cytokines, which are responsible for activating the body’s healing process and reducing inflammation. Together with the inflammation that chronic exposure to cortisol causes in itself, it is even more difficult for the body to recover,” explains the endocrinologist.

Constant swelling

Constantly elevated cortisol forces the body to alter or shut down functions that can disrupt the focus on immediate survival, and digestion is often one of the first systems to be affected.

“As part of its role in regulating various body functions, cortisol is responsible for regulating the absorption of salt and minerals. When we are stressed, excess cortisol increases salt levels and causes the body to retain more water than necessary. Reduced blood flow to the digestive system also interferes with intestinal motility, creating bacterial imbalances in the gut. Altering the bacterial balance can lead to poor digestion of some carbohydrates, which causes excessive gas production. This, combined with the increase in water, causes swelling,” explains Deborah.

And what to do?

Modulating stress is not easy and seems to be a universal and daily battle. But according to the doctor, some points can help in this journey.

“Physical exercise helps, combined with a good diet and a good supply of nutrients. Trying to sleep between 8 and 9 hours a day, practicing so-called sleep hygiene, which consists of minimizing the use of screens and artificial lights before bed, can reduce cortisol and adrenaline levels. Furthermore, it is important to take care of your mental health and engage in finding more pleasant activities during the day and on weekends,” concludes Deborah Beranger.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.