Excessive Stress Hormone May Induce 'Cortisol Facial Changes'
Stress may have long-term impacts on physical health, and one of the latest symptoms purportedly connected to it is a puffy face. This phenomenon, coined "cortisol face" on social media, is said to be caused by higher-than-usual levels of the hormone cortisol.
Dr. Kathryn Weaver, an endocrinologist at UW Medicine, has recently encountered concerns about high cortisol levels among her patients. However, it is crucial to understand that high cortisol (and low cortisol) are genuine medical conditions that warrant attention.
Cortisol plays a vital role in the body, aiding in fuel mobilization, metabolism, immune response, and mediating blood pressure and heart rate. The body typically regulates cortisol levels, with them peaking in the morning and gradually decreasing throughout the day. Temporary increases, such as those due to stress or short-term illness, are healthy responses to stressors.
While prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can cause "cortisol excess" symptoms like a puffy face, such development usually occurs gradually over time and not as a result of temporary stress. If you notice concerning body changes, it's essential to monitor them and consult a healthcare professional about their trajectory.
Abnormally high cortisol means continuous, high cortisol levels in the body. This prolonged exposure can result in a range of symptoms, including a puffy face. This condition, known as Cushing's syndrome, arises from several causes, like long-term use of corticosteroid medications, pituitary or adrenal gland tumors, or excessive ACTH production.
If you suspect high or low cortisol levels, it's essential to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Do not attempt self-diagnosis, as cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day and are dependent on life circumstances.
In conclusion, while stress may contribute to a puffy face, it's unlikely to be the result of brief stressful events or short illnesses. If you're concerned about notable body changes, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.
- High cortisol levels, a genuine medical condition, can lead to chronic diseases like Cushing's syndrome, causing symptoms such as a puffy face over time.
- Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, known as cortisol excess, can result from various causes, including long-term use of corticosteroid medications, pituitary or adrenal gland tumors, or excessive ACTH production.
- Promoting mental health, workplace-wellness, and stress management may help prevent chronic diseases associated with high cortisol levels and the subsequent impacts on mental health and physical health, like skin-care issues and fitness-and-exercise challenges.
- A balanced diet, proper nutrition, and therapeuties-and-treatments can significantly impact cortisol levels, enhancing health-and-wellness overall.
- Medial-conditions, such as high cortisol levels, should be addressed as soon as possible to mitigate long-term effects on mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life.
- If you suspect high or low cortisol levels, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, as cortisol levels must be assessed through proper evaluation and diagnosis, which cannot be done through self-diagnosis.
