5 Signs of High Cortisol Levels
You know that excited flush when you get a sudden scare? Like when a car pulls out in front of you and you have to brake quickly, or someone pops out when you weren’t expecting them? That feeling is the effect of cortisol.
Cortisol is produced and excreted by your body to help you in dangerous or stressful situations. It provides a person with strength and speed they don’t normally possess. But if the stress is constant and the cortisol is continuously produced, high cortisol levels are very detrimental to physical and emotional health.
Explaining Cortisol Levels
To assess adrenal and pituitary function, cortisol levels are often reviewed. These tests are done first thing in the morning when the body should be the most rested. Once you engage in your day, cortisol levels will fluctuate constantly.
Spikes in cortisol can remain high for several hours to several days, depending on the nature of the incident. A study by UCLA Health indicates that normal levels, when tested at 8 AM, are around 6-23 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). Higher levels are often detected after an accident, injury, or traumatic event, particularly if the patient had to take action.
Cortisol levels can also be used to diagnose conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome and Addison’s Disease.
Signs You May Have High Cortisol Levels
It is quite likely that you observe the effects of high cortisol levels every time you look in the mirror. Five signs that you may have high cortisol—and may benefit from a cortisol manager—are:
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and in the fullness of the face
- Severe fatigue that causes you to struggle throughout most of the day
- Frequent, unexplained illness
- General malaise accompanied by bone and joint weakness
- High blood pressure
Managing Your Cortisol Levels
When you are struggling with stress, you want the best cortisol-managing supplement in your corner. Try Pureformulas Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager™, and get the effects of stress under control.
