The Effects of Excess Cortisol

Cortisol is one of the hormones that is produced in response to stress. Combined with other stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol provides a burst of energy and prepares the body to defend against the perceived threat or flee from it. Cortisol also helps regulate blood pressure, the immune response, insulin production and the metabolism of glucose. At normal levels, cortisol is important in the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. Elevated levels, however, can have negative effects over time.

• A stressful lifestyle can raise your cortisol levels, leading to physical dysfunction and disease.

Causes of Excess Cortisol

• One of the so-called "stress hormones," cortisol is produced at greater levels in people who experience chronic stress. Lab Tests Online says that in addition to stress, other causes of increased levels of cortisol include pregnancy, illness, hyperthyroidism, obesity and the use of some medications, including birth control pills and hydrocortisone.

Abdominal Fat

• Researchers found a link between high cortisol levels and increased abdominal fat. Dr. Jonathan Purnell, an associate professor of medicine (endocrinology, diabetes and clinical nutrition) in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, said cortisol levels rise in women when their estrogen levels drop as they approach menopause. The presence of abdominal fat has been correlated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Adrenal Fatigue

• Consistently elevated cortisol levels eventually lead to adrenal fatigue, according to Marcy Holms, Women's Health NP and certified menopause clinician at WomenToWomen.com. When the adrenal glands are forced to produce excess cortisol in response to chronic stress, adds Dr. Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, the glands can't properly regulate the production of other hormones, which causes hormonal imbalance. Over time, this leads to adrenal fatigue, with symptoms including cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, mood swings and depression.

Additional Effects

• Holmes says when prolonged exposure to excess cortisol leads to adrenal fatigue, additional symptoms often occur, including insomnia, acne, hair loss, poor immune function, fatigue and weight gain. It is also a factor in related conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and premature menopause.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Also called hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome is a collection of symptoms that develop when the body has been exposed to excess cortisol over time. The condition is rare. Symptoms of the disorder, according to Mayo Clinic, include a hump between the shoulders, swollen face and discolored stretch marks on the skin. Untreated, it may also lead to hypertension, bone loss and diabetes.