What to do if your cortisol levels are too high plus seven other warning signs

Stress has well-documented negative effects on physical and mental health. On the emotional and mental fronts, it can cause feelings of worry and sadness, job burnout, and general irritability and overload. On a physiological level, it can bring about weariness, insomnia, and altered hunger levels.

High amounts of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” can worsen existing health problems when stress persists over an extended period of time. In this article, we will discuss the hormone cortisol and the symptoms of having too much of it in your system.

The Dangers of High Cortisol Levels
The adrenal glands secrete the hormone cortisol, which plays a crucial role in the body. As the Medical Director of Consumer Health at Quest Diagnostics,

J. Dlott, MD | Quest Diagnostics

Dr. Jeffrey Dlott, explains that despite cortisol’s common reputation as the “stress hormone,” it serves many important purposes, including regulation of the body’s response to stress, control of metabolism, suppression of inflammation, regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar, and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.

Under pressure, the body triggers the production of stress hormones such cortisol and adrenaline from the adrenal glands. Hormone levels normally return to normal when the threat has passed because this is the body’s way of preparing for a potentially dangerous, damaging, or tense circumstance.

However, if stress levels are consistently high, that normalisation may not occur. Dr. Dlott notes that in the long run, this can affect a wide variety of bodily systems and processes, raising the probability of diseases including cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.

High cortisol levels may also be caused by problems with the pituitary gland (an organ near the base of the brain that regulates hormone output), adrenal gland cancers, or excess oestrogen. It is vital to work with your doctor to identify the optimum dosage and for monitoring if you are taking any medications that may lead to elevated cortisol levels, such as steroids or oral contraceptives.

Indices That Your Cortisol Levels Are Too High
Extreme levels of cortisol have been related to a wide variety of nonspecific symptoms. An inventory is provided by Dr. Dlott, which includes:

Gaining weight, especially around the middle

Concentration issues

Inappropriately High Blood Pressure

Difficulty falling asleep

Headaches

Fatigue

Irritability

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal condition that can be brought on by either excessive usage of steroids or a tumour in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Dr. Dlott explains that some symptoms include a “rosy, round face,” extra fat around the upper back, intense weariness, high blood pressure or high blood sugar, kidney stones, weak bones, thin skin, [easy] bruising, and delayed healing.

Methods for Lowering Cortisol Levels
The first thing to do is to see a doctor.

Dr. Dlott advises anyone concerned about elevated cortisol levels to consult a doctor immediately so that a blood test can be ordered. Because elevated cortisol symptoms might be caused by various diseases and health difficulties, it’s necessary to rule out all other possibilities.

Finding the cause of elevated cortisol levels is the first step in treating the condition.

Dr. Dlott emphasises that the best approach to lowering cortisol levels is to first identify the underlying cause. It is common for people with Cushing’s syndrome to require medical treatment, such as medication or surgery. The stress hormone cortisol can be regulated and general health improved by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest.

Sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet are all highly recommended by

Dr. Orfanos | Case Integrative Health

Dr. Trent Orfanos, MD, ABIHM, Director of Integrative and Functional Cardiology.

Insomnia can be caused by stress hormones like cortisol, but it can also be caused by not getting enough quality sleep. It’s a feedback loop, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep,” advises Dr. Orfanos. For weight control, it’s also a good idea to think about adopting a low-carb diet and to make physical activity a regular part of your life. Like sleep, excess weight and cortisol appear to have a cyclical association. Keep a healthy lifestyle and weight for optimal health.

Finally, do everything you can to learn stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. This Heart Math activity comes highly recommended by Dr. Orfanos.

In the beginning, just breathe deeply and slowly.

Focus your awareness in your chest, close to your heart.

The next step is to recall a time when you felt thankful, appreciative, or in love with a person, place, or thing. Think back to how you felt, both physically and mentally. In response, your heart will create a normal beat, reducing your overall stress.