HOW CAN I TELL IF I'VE GOT HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by glands in our bodies called the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation and helping the body respond to stress. While essential for our health, chronic elevation of cortisol levels can lead to several issues.

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Elevated cortisol can occur for a number of reasons. One is a rare condition called Cushing’s syndrome, which affects people who have been taking steroid medicines that contain a synthetic version of cortisol for a long time. Even more rarely, it can be caused by the body producing too much cortisol due to a tumour in the brain or adrenal glands.

Several signs suggest significantly elevated cortisol levels:

1. WEIGHT GAIN

One indicator of high cortisol is weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Cortisol influences where fat is stored and higher levels can lead to more fat being deposited in that area. This is true for both women and men, although hormonal differences may influence the extent and distribution.