WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS?

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It plays a vital role in metabolism, immune function, blood pressure regulation, and the sleep wake cycle. When cortisol rises briefly during stressful moments, it helps your body respond appropriately. However, when cortisol stays high for long periods, it can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Understanding the signs of high cortisol levels can help you recognise when something feels out of balance. If you think cortisol may be contributing to the way you feel, a cortisol blood test can help you understand what is happening inside your body.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and released in response to stress, illness, and changes in your daily rhythm. Normally, cortisol follows a predictable daily pattern, rising in the morning and falling gradually throughout the day.

High cortisol becomes a concern when levels stay elevated for an extended period. This can affect almost every system in the body, from your metabolism to your mood. In severe cases, very high cortisol levels are linked to conditions such as Cushing syndrome, which causes more intense symptoms.

Many people experience high cortisol due to chronic stress, while others may be affected by medical conditions or medication. Understanding what high cortisol means is the first step toward recognising its symptoms.

High cortisol can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some are physical, others are emotional or hormonal, and many develop gradually over time. 

The most common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

High cortisol can affect body shape, skin, and muscle strength. Common signs include:

• Weight gain around the stomach and face
  
  

• Muscle weakness, especially in the arms and thighs
  
  

• Purple stretch marks on the abdomen or thighs
  
  

• High blood pressure and elevated blood sugar
  
  

• Thinning hair or hair loss
  
  

• Acne or oily skin
  
  

• Easy bruising and slow wound healing
  
  

These symptoms can vary in intensity. Some people notice only one or two changes, while others experience several at once.

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

High cortisol also affects the brain and nervous system. People may experience:

• Low mood or depression
  
  

• Irritability or mood swings
  
  

• Anxiety or nervousness
  
  

• Difficulty concentrating
  
  

• Poor sleep quality or waking throughout the night
  
  

These symptoms often appear alongside physical changes, and many people do not realise cortisol is playing a role until they are tested.

Hormonal and Reproductive Symptoms

Cortisol interacts with other hormones, which can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle and general hormone balance. Symptoms may include:

• Irregular or absent periods
  
  

• Lower libido
  
  

• Excess hair growth on the face or body
  
  

• Fertility challenges
  
  

In women, cortisol can affect oestrogen and progesterone balance, contributing to wider hormonal symptoms.

There are several reasons cortisol may become elevated. Some are related to lifestyle or stress, while others are linked to medical conditions.

Common causes include:

Chronic Stress

Long lasting stress is one of the most common reasons for high cortisol. When your body feels constantly under pressure, cortisol remains elevated for longer than it should.

Medication

Steroid medications, especially those taken long term, can increase cortisol levels. This includes oral steroids used for inflammation or chronic conditions.

Hormonal Conditions

Some conditions can directly affect cortisol production, such as:

• Pituitary gland overproduction of ACTH
  
  

• Adrenal gland tumours or overactivity
  
  

• Rare genetic or hormonal disorders
  
  

Other Health Factors

High oestrogen levels, depression, poor sleep, or long term illness can also influence cortisol levels.

Understanding the cause is an important step in addressing symptoms and deciding whether further testing is needed.

Testing cortisol levels helps identify whether the hormone is elevated and whether further investigation is needed. Cortisol can be tested in several ways:

Blood Test

A blood sample can show how much cortisol is in your system at a specific time of day. Morning tests are common because cortisol is usually highest at this time.

Saliva Test

This is often collected late at night when cortisol should be at its lowest. It helps identify disrupted daily cortisol patterns.

Urine Test

A 24 hour urine sample can show how much cortisol your body produces throughout the day.

Sometimes repeat tests are needed to confirm the pattern, especially if symptoms suggest a long term issue. If cortisol is very high, further tests such as scans or hormone checks may be recommended.

If cortisol remains high for a long time, it can lead to wider health effects. These may include:

• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
  
  

• High blood pressure and heart disease
  
  

• Weakened bones or osteoporosis
  
  

• Frequent infections
  
  

• Long term fatigue and low energy
  
  

• Mood disorders such as anxiety or depression
  
  

• Increased inflammation
  
  

These effects develop gradually, which is why early testing can be useful if symptoms are persistent.

You should speak to a healthcare professional if you notice several symptoms of high cortisol, especially if they are new or worsening. It is important to seek advice if you experience:

• Rapid weight gain around the stomach or face
  
  

• Purple stretch marks
  
  

• Unusual bruising
  
  

• Irregular periods or fertility changes
  
  

• Long term fatigue or low mood
  
  

• High blood pressure or high blood sugar
  
  

• Symptoms while taking steroid medication
  
  

A cortisol test can help determine whether the hormone is contributing to how you feel and whether further investigation is needed.

High cortisol affects both the body and mind. While small increases are normal during stressful moments, long term elevation can lead to a wide range of symptoms including weight changes, tiredness, hormonal imbalances, mood changes, and skin changes.

Understanding these symptoms can help you recognise when something may be out of balance. A simple cortisol blood test is a reliable way to see what is happening inside your body and decide whether further support or treatment is needed.

A cortisol test from One Day Tests provides fast, confidential results and can help you take the next step toward improving your wellbeing.