High cortisol levels can be identified through symptoms and confirmed with medical testing. Symptoms of high cortisol often include weight gain, particularly around the face and abdomen, muscle weakness, fragile skin that bruises easily, fatigue, irritability, high blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating. More specific signs can include a round "moon" face, a fatty hump between the shoulders, purple stretch marks on the skin, slowed healing, acne, and changes in mood or mental health. These symptoms may indicate a condition known as Cushing's syndrome caused by prolonged high cortisol levels.
To know for sure if cortisol levels are high, there are several tests:
- Blood cortisol test, usually done twice a day (morning and afternoon) because cortisol levels vary throughout the day.
- Saliva cortisol test, especially effective when samples are taken at night to detect abnormal cortisol levels.
- Urine cortisol test, typically collected over 24 hours to assess cortisol production variation.
Doctors may also perform more specialized tests like the ACTH stimulation test or dexamethasone suppression test to further investigate the cause of high cortisol levels.
If symptoms suggest high cortisol levels, visiting a healthcare provider for these tests is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes to manage cortisol levels effectively.
In summary, if experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, or skin changes, getting a cortisol test through blood, saliva, or urine is the way to know if cortisol is high. Medical tests are definitive and necessary for proper diagnosis.
