Cortisol, also called the “stress hormone,” is responsible for how the body manages pressure, energy, and inflammation. But when stress is prolonged, cortisol stays elevated for far too long, there by de-regulating the body. This excess of hormones can do more than regulate mood, it can remake a person over time. From sudden weight gain to washed-out skin, raised cortisol leaves its marks where everyone can see, reflecting what’s happening inside. Here are subtle changes that a person can experience when there cortisol levels are high.
Facial and belly weight gain
One of the initial outward manifestations of chronic cortisol elevation is fat gain in the abdominal and facial region. Cortisol stimulates the body to retain fat in the visceral region, which surrounds core organs. This not only changes body structure but also results in a greater risk of metabolic disease. According to research in The Archives of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cortisol Connection: Weight Gain and Stress Hormones, individuals with chronically elevated cortisol levels will have “central obesity,” where the middle section becomes disproportionately large even if overall weight is not gained. Face and cheeks may also become puffy because the hormone retains water.
Premature aging and skin issues
Stress appears on the skin faster than most are even conscious of. Cortisol breaks down collagen, the protein that maintains the skin taut and elastic. It creates wrinkles, sagging, and dull-looking skin after some time. High levels of cortisol also trigger the release of oil, leading to acne erupting, mainly on the jaw and forehead. Doctors have noted persons under stress complaining of delayed healing of wounds and enhanced sensitivity of the skin. The result is a flaccid, fatigued texture that no cosmetic cream can fully cover without addressing the source of the issue—stress. Study published in science direct, says that, — Aging is linked to higher mean cortisol levels
Hair thinning and slow growth of hair
Elevated cortisol may disrupt the hair growth cycle. Normally, hair follicles experience growth and rest phases. When cortisol is elevated constantly, it cuts short the growth cycle, leading to baldness and retarded growth. This is known as telogen effluvium, a normal stress-related hair loss disorder. A study in National Institute of Health determined that chronic stress has an impact on stem cells within hair follicles, preventing the cells from making new hair shafts. The effect might manifest as thinning hair, hairline recession, or loss of volume of hair over time.
Muscle wasting and posture changes
Elevated cortisol can lead to muscle breakdown due to the body seeking quick sources of energy when under prolonged stress. This is what is known as catabolism and leads to weakened muscles and reduced tone, especially in the arms, legs, and shoulders. When muscle tissue reduces, posture subtly shifts—your body is less tense and more weary. According to the National Institutes of Health research, chronic elevation of cortisol levels can also lower bone density, causing lower back pain and slumped-over posturing in some instances. How to balance all these issues is defnitely not a question of eliminating stress, because it can manifest in certain ways, it is about managing it daily by exercising, sleeping well at night and practicing deep breathing exercises to decrease cortisol levels significantly.
What can we do to control cortisol level in the body
Cutting down on caffeine, maintaining stable blood sugar levels by consuming balanced meals, and carving out time for relaxation are also vital. Certain individuals may benefit from professional help or medical tests to see if cortisol imbalance is a symptom of more serious endocrine issues.