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Signs of Increased Cortisol Levels

If your doctor suspects that you may have increased cortisol levels, she may send you for lab tests that usually consist of urine and saliva samples. If an increase in cortisol is detected, further diagnostics will be done to determine the cause. Although adrenal disorders such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome are common causes of cortisol abnormalities, research studies conclude that stress may also play a role.

  1. What is Cortisol?

    • Each of your kidneys has an adrenal gland that produces the hormone cortisol. According to Better Health Channel, cortisol is responsible for maintaining blood pressure, immune system regulation and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cortisol also helps with the management of stress and glucose conversion.

    Weakness and Fatigue

    • Increased cortisol levels can make you feel tired and weak. Womentowomen.com explains that an increase in cortisol can lead to adrenal fatigue, which can have a devastating impact on your exercise capabilities and sleeping habits. Due to the decrease in physical activity that usually results from increased cortisol levels, weight gain is often a factor.

    Decreased Muscle Mass

    • According to the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, an increase in cortisol can contribute to loss of muscle mass; especially when inactivity occurs. The NSBRI says increased stress usually leads to poor diet and high cortisol levels. This scenario leads to increased insulin resistance, depleting skeletal muscle.

    Increased Appetite

    • High cortisol levels often lead to an increase in appetite. Cravings often result that lead to binge eating and night snacking on foods that have high fat, carbohydrate and caloric value. This type of eating is known as "stress" eating, notorious for causing the extra weight gain around your middle.

    Depression

    • Quite often, an increase in cortisol levels leads to depression. The Official Journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry explains that studies have found a direct link between the two. The data also show that depression is not caused by hyperlipidemia (high lipids in the bloodstream) as once thought. Instead, the findings show that hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, bone loss and depression are all complications that are a result of increased cortisol levels.

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