Five Surprising Signs Your Cortisol Is Running High
Chronic elevation of cortisol—the body's stress hormone—can show up beyond the obvious symptoms. Look for abdominal/visceral weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, poor sleep, and facial puffiness. Causes include ongoing stress, Cushing's syndrome, illness, sleep deprivation, pregnancy, and certain medications or supplements. Since cortisol levels can fluctuate and diagnoses can be tricky, consult a doctor if you notice persistent symptoms or notable health changes.
