There are several potential symptoms of high cortisol levels in the body.
Disturbed sleepThis may include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and waking up in the middle of the night.
Physical changesPeople with high cortisol levels often experience weight gain in the face and abdomen, excess hair growth, fat accumulation between the shoulders, and purple stretch marks in the abdomen.
Increased irritabilityFor example, you might frequently lose your temper in public or overreact to spilled coffee.
Cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foodsThis may be the body’s way of coping with discomfort.
Fatigue and headachesAnother sign is a feeling of weakness in the arms and legs (especially the upper arms and thighs).
High blood pressure, high blood sugar, weak bonesThey may also indicate increased levels of stress hormones.
Common causes of high stress hormone levels include:
- chronic stress (in this case, cortisol levels remain high);
- chronic alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety;
- Cushing’s syndrome (This condition develops due to prolonged high levels of stress hormones; it can lead to bone loss, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes).
News materials are not equivalent to a doctor’s prescription. Consult a specialist before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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