High levels of cortisol are a tell-take sign of the condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Another term for this is “hypercortisolism”. Dr. Cushing is credited for his research and discovery of this illness in 1912. Cortisol isn’t an all-bad hormone. We do need it for stress response, converting macronutrients into energy, balancing insulin, regulating blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. However, when the body produces too much cortisol there are adverse health effects. Too much stress, excessive alcohol use, malnutrition, depression, panicking, and over training, can all lead to more cortisol production than normal.
There can be several symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Some signs include thin skin that bruises easily, purple stretch marks on the body, fatty deposits in mid-section and upper back, round moon shaped face, weight gain, skin injuries that don’t heal normal timing, acne, muscle weakness, and feeling fatigue. There are other commonalities among people who have Cushing’s. These can include feeling thirsty often, frequent urination, mood changes, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety, irritability, and irregular menstruation.
Cushing’s syndrome is more common in females than males. Females will develop more body hair around the face and neck, thighs, chest, and abs. Irregular menstruation is common with possibly no menstruation at all. Males might experience erectile dysfunction and loss of interest in sex.
One of the leading causes of developing Cushing’s syndrome is the prolonged use of corticosteroids. Prednisone taking in high amounts for extended periods of time and injections for back pain are common culprits. Diagnosis is complicated. Cortisol levels can be tested via a urinary test, saliva test, ruling out the causes of high cortisol with Dexamethasone-CRH test (such as alcoholism), or taking a low dose of dexamethasone which lowers cortisol (but if it doesn’t than it would be Cushing’s syndrome).After Cushing’s syndrome is determined to be the cause of high cortisol, a doctor would then want to test what has caused the high cortisol levels in the first place. Testing for a tumor on the adrenal glands is critical.
There are medications which can help lower the production of cortisol. These include Nizoral, Korlym, Mifeprex, Lysodren, and Signifor. Lifestyle changes can also help avoid Cushing syndrome and suppress symptoms. Weight loss, low sodium diet, no alcohol, managing blood sugar, and making sure levels of vitamin C and D are sufficient are important. In a go, go, go world, stress is inevitable but making sure it is not prolonged, and constant is critical. Hormones wreak havoc when left to their own control of our body. Being proactive which is involves being active and leading a healthy lifestyle, is the best measure we can take for our overall health.