Excessive cortisol levels, also known as hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome, occur when your body produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol over an extended period. This can lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.
Causes:
- Pituitary Tumors: These tumors can cause the pituitary gland to produce excess ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
- Adrenal Tumors: These tumors can cause the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol directly.
- Ectopic ACTH-Producing Tumors: These tumors can develop in other parts of the body and produce ACTH, leading to increased cortisol production.
- Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can also cause Cushing’s syndrome.
Symptoms:
-
Physical:
- Weight gain, especially in the face, abdomen, and upper back
- Rounding of the face
- Muscle weakness
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- Thinning skin
- Easy bruising
- Purple stretch marks
- Increased hair growth
- Bone loss
- Increased risk of infections
-
Psychological:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Diagnosis:
- Blood Tests: To measure cortisol levels and ACTH levels
- Urine Tests: To measure cortisol levels over 24 hours
- Imaging Tests: To check for tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands