Top doctor reveals 6 signs you have high amount of cortisol, and what should one do…

Top doctor reveals 6 signs you have high amount of cortisol, and what should one do…

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, in small quantities, prepares our body for the ‘fight or flight’ response. However, when there is too much cortisol in the body, it can lead to various health issues and inflammation. Not many know that chronic stress can affect each and every part of your body, including stomach, skin, even the heart and the brain! Dr Kunal Sood, a Double Board Certified MD, reveals 6 signs of high cortisol, followed by some tips on what can you can do to manage it

Weight gain around the abdomen, face, and neck While weight gain in general is a cause of concern, weight gain on the face, belly, and the back of the neck, often means cortisol, says Dr Sood. Weight gain, in that spot looks different from overall weight gain, because the arms and the legs stay mostly the same. High cortisol shows this pattern in people who have long‑term stress, or who have ‘Cushing syndrome’, a condition where cortisol is too high. High cortisol can also cause a condition called ‘moon face’ and a fat lump on the neck, called a ‘buffalo hump’. This storage is usually a sign of excess cortisol, that can lead to blood pressure and blood sugar problems.

Skin issues The skin can show symptoms of high cortisol as well. This occurs because high cortisol levels break down proteins in the skin, which makes the skin thin and fragile. The thin skin bruises easily, and heals slowly. Not only that, high cortisol raises oil production in the skin, that can make acne worse. High cortisol can also cause red stretch marks, where fat builds up such as the abdomen or thighs, along with eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare up. Stress can also speed up ageing, which can lead to dryness and wrinkles.

Your stomach is one of the first organs that gets affected by stress. High cortisol, over time, can make the gut leakier, that can cause bloating and discomfort. Not only that, the brain‑gut connection also messes up the balance of bacteria in the tract. When the balance of bacteria is off, the brain‑gut connection can bring on problems such as irregular bowel syndrome (IBS), or irregular digestion. This occurs because higher inflammation that comes from cortisol, hurts gut health, by changing gut motility and gut secretion.

Muscle and joint pain Cortisol breaks down muscle tissue for energy, when the body is stressed. Over time, cortisol can leave muscles feeling weak, and the joints vulnerable to aches, according to Dr Sood. This occurs because high cortisol reduces bone density, and muscle mass. This reduced bone density and reduced muscle mass cause muscle pain, fatigue or even osteoporosis, if left unchecked. A lot of people think that fatigue and pain is a natural part of ageing, but chronic fatigue should never be overlooked.

Frequent colds or infections Cortisol is tied to the strength of the immune system, and while short bursts of inflammation help the body fight off infections, when cortisol stays high for a long time, it can lower the system defenses. A weak immune system lets colds and other infections get in easily, and the immune system recovers slowly. High cortisol hurts T‑cell activity, and also cuts down the production of cytokines, this leaving the body open to viruses and bacteria.

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