At a time when everyone is in a rat race, chasing deadlines, goals, and perfection, stress has become a silent companion. This constant stress can flood your system with the hormone cortisol. Cortisol, also known as the ‘stress hormone,’ plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. This hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, can spike due to chronic stress, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors. While occasional spikes are often harmless, over time, this elevated cortisol may lead to health issues, such as anxiety, weight gain, and even heart disease. Detecting the early signs of high cortisol can prevent further serious problems from developing. Here are five symptoms of high cortisol levels you should not ignore. Unexplained weight gain

Any fluctuations in body weight, especially without putting in any effort, always signal caution. Weight gain is one of the most noticeable symptoms of elevated cortisol. Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, signals high cortisol. Cortisol leads to increased cravings for sugary or fatty foods. If you’re gaining weight without a clear cause, a cortisol imbalance could be a factor.Chronic fatigue

Feeling tired all the time, despite getting adequate sleep, is a sign of high cortisol levels. This is because cortisol disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It could lead to poor sleep quality and exhaustion during the day. Prolonged cortisol elevation can overstimulate the nervous system and make you feel fatigued. If rest doesn’t recharge you, it is important to test cortisol levels and speak to your healthcare provider.Irritability

High cortisol can wreak havoc on mental health. It can lead to irritability, anxiety, or depression. This hormone affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain, leading to increased emotional responses. If you feel overwhelmed by small stressors, it can be a red flag for cortisol issues. Persistent mood swings require closer observation, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. Getting ill very often

Heightened cortisol levels can mess up the immune system. An elevation in cortisol levels for prolonged periods suppresses the immune system. This can lead to one falling sick very often. Some may also experience cuts and bruises that take longer to heal. Chronic high cortisol makes it harder for the body to defend against infections and inflammation. So, high cortisol levels should never be ignored.Acne, thinning hair, muscle weakness

A high level of cortisol also leads to changes in skin and hair, and affects the muscles. Acne is one of the common signs of a cortisol peak. Thinning hair is another red flag, as elevated cortisol disrupts the hair growth cycle by pushing follicles into a resting phase and diverting nutrients from hair to vital organs, leading to brittle strands or noticeable shedding. Muscle weakness and pain are also crucial signs of cortisol imbalance. This is because cortisol breaks down muscle tissue for energy, reducing strength and prolonging recovery times. If acne, hair loss, or muscle weakness persist, consult a healthcare provider and get your cortisol levels checked.