High cortisol: what it can be, symptoms and how to treat

High cortisol is caused by the consumption of corticosteroids for more than 15 days, or by an increase in the production of this hormone in the adrenal glands, due to chronic stress or some tumor.

When this problem is suspected, due to the negative effects of excess cortisol, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis, the general practitioner may order the cortisol test, by measuring blood, urine or saliva.

The control of this hormone is done with physical activity and consumption of foods that control stress and blood sugar, such as yams, oats, eggs, flaxseed and milk and derivatives, for example. However, when high levels of cortisol are severe, treatment based on drugs or even surgery, guided by the endocrinologist, is necessary.

Main causes

The use of corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, for more than 15 days is the most common form of excess cortisol in the blood, however other causes are:

• Chronic stress and irregular sleep: they can disrupt the production of cortisol and cause it to increase in the body; Dysfunction of the adrenal glands: caused by the presence of a tumor or by the deregulation of its cells, which can produce excess cortisol; Brain tumor: can stimulate the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

Stress usually causes a slight change in cortisol values, while the most intense and severe increases are caused by direct changes in the adrenal glands and brain.

Possible symptoms and effects on the body

When produced in the adrenal glands, cortisol is released into the circulation for the purpose of regulating the body's functions. However, when in excess, and for a long period, it can cause bad consequences such as:

• Increased weight, abdominal circumference and bloating, due to fluid retention, and redistribution of body fat; Diabetes and elevated blood sugar levels, by stimulating the action of the liver to produce glucose; Osteoporosis, by decreasing the absorption of calcium by the body and reducing collagen; Increased stress, irritability and depression, as it causes the release of adrenaline and by direct action on the brain; High cholesterol, by increasing the production of fats by the liver and release into the circulation; Muscle reduction and weakness, because it decreases protein production and degrades proteins in tissues; High blood pressure, for causing sodium and liquid retention, and for increasing the release of adrenaline in the circulation; Reduction of the body's defenses, by inhibiting inflammation and immunity; Increased levels of male hormones in the body, which in women can cause undesirable signs, such as excess hair, thickening of the voice and hair loss; Changes in the menstrual cycle and difficulty in getting pregnant, due to the unregulated female hormones; Skin fragility, increasing wounds, skin blemishes and stretch marks, by decreasing collagen and reducing the body's healing effect.

The name of these changes caused by the chronic increase in cortisol is Cushing's syndrome. When this syndrome or an increase in cortisol is suspected, the general practitioner or endocrinologist may order blood, urine or saliva tests, which demonstrate the increase in this hormone in the body.

If these tests are of high value, the doctor will then investigate the cause of excess cortisol, by clinical evaluation, and through tomography or MRI, of the abdomen and brain.

Learn more about how the cortisol test is done.

How to lower cortisol levels

As cortisol is closely linked to the emotional system, a good way to regulate cortisol is to reduce stress and anxiety, with psychotherapy and leisure time. In addition, doing physical activity and eating foods that control sugar and stress, such as eggs, milk and dairy products, fish, oats, almonds, chestnuts, chia and flax seeds, can also help.

Now, if the excess of cortisol is caused by the use of corticosteroids, it must be removed gradually, over several days, with the guidance of the general practitioner or endocrinologist.

When the cause of the increase is more severe, such as a tumor, the treatment is done with the use of drugs to control the amount of the hormone, such as metyrapone, aminoglutetimide, for example, and the surgery to remove this tumor, which will be decided and programmed between the patient, the endocrinologist and the surgeon.

Learn how to do a natural treatment that helps control high cortisol.

Effects of high cortisol in pregnancy

In addition to hindering the possibility of becoming pregnant, high cortisol can cause some consequences for the mother and baby, because it increases the risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, in addition to favoring premature labor. In the baby, excess cortisol increases the risk of future disorders, such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

Thus, whenever the pregnant woman has symptoms of high cortisol, she should notify her obstetrician, so that the exam is done.

To avoid an increase in cortisol, pregnant women should eat a balanced diet and avoid stressful situations during pregnancy, in addition to having moments for leisure, which allow them to rest and relax whenever possible.

Learn more about the risks of pregnancy stress.