Irregular menstrual cycles, excessive facial or body hair, weight gain (especially in the face and belly), thinning hair, and skin that bruises easily are some of the common symptoms of high cortisol in females.  

Some women also complain of fatigue, weakness, high blood pressure, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, reduced sexual drive, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms may also be an indication of Cushing’s Syndrome, a rare condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure of the body to high cortisol.  

Let’s discuss cortisol, its complications, symptoms, and management.  

Understanding Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It’s often related to the amount of stress faced by the body. It’s a glucocorticoid, a type of steroid hormone that helps in:

• Regulating glucose usage in the body
• Regulating blood pressure
• Decreasing inflammation
• Helping control your sleep-wake cycle

However, both high and low cortisol can be dangerous.

A high level of cortisol for a long time can be a result of Cushing’s syndrome. There could be many reasons behind a high level of cortisol and Cushing’s syndrome, including:

• Taking high doses of corticosteroid medications (Exogenous Cushing syndrome).
• Tumours that make your body produce adenocorticotropic hormone or high cholesterol (Endogenous Cushing syndrome).

High Cortisol Symptoms in Women

General Health Issues

• Fatigue and weakness that don’t go away with rest
• Weakness in muscles, especially of the upper arms and thighs
• High blood pressure and sugar levels
• Loss of bone density

Reproductive and Hormonal Issues

• Acne and oily skin 
• Irregular or absent periods 
• Hormonal disruption, which may cause fertility problems
• Reduced sex drive
• Excessive hair growth on the face and the body (Hypertrichosis)

Skin and Physical Changes

• Stretch marks on the abdomen (Striae distensae)
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Weight gain, particularly in the face and belly

Emotional and Cognitive Changes

• Anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating 
• Sleep disturbances

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms or has been diagnosed with low or high cortisol levels, consider consulting our hormone experts at Aakash Healthcare.