Cortisol is a steroid hormone that serves multiple functions in the body. You know it more commonly as the ‘stress hormone’ because it’s responsible for helping the body adapt or respond to all types of stressors. The hormone, however, does more than stress management, which is why imbalanced levels can create all sorts of health problems.
In this guide, we focus on how an imbalance of this hormone affects women. We list the symptoms of high cortisol levels in females, explain why your cortisol levels spike, and outline what you can do to manage the so-called stress hormone.
High Cortisol Symptoms in Women
Cortisol affects almost all of the body’s organs and tissues. The hormone helps regulate how your body uses protein, fats and carbohydrates. It regulates blood sugar and blood pressure levels. It can influence your sleep-wake cycle. It also suppresses inflammation, boosting your immune system. High levels of this hormone can have a significant impact on your health.
Here are high cortisol symptoms to watch.
Physical Symptoms of High Cortisol in Women
- Acne
- Rapid weight gain, particularly in the face and belly
- Muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms and thighs
- Purple stretch marks on the hips, breasts and stomach
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Excessive hair growth
- High blood pressure
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fertility problems
Mental Symptoms of High Cortisol in Women
- Difficulty sleeping
- Challenges with focusing and concentrating
- Mood swings
- Depression and anxiety
How does high cortisol impact fertility? Elevated cortisol levels can impact ovulation, suppressing the hormone necessary for this process. When this occurs over a prolonged period, there can be fertility issues.
What is a normal cortisol level for a woman? The normal range varies according to the time of day. In general, the normal range is between 160 and 507 nmol/L.
It’s essential to note that the symptoms of high cortisol in females can vary.
Some symptoms may also not be solely caused by elevated cortisol levels. Check with your physician when you’ve experienced a few of these symptoms to determine a diagnosis.
What Causes High Cortisol Levels?
Doctors diagnose high cortisol in women through a number of tests. These tests include blood and urine tests, as well as saliva analysis. If these initial tests reveal abnormal results, your physician could do a series of further tests to confirm their diagnosis, which include:
- Dexamethasone Suppression Test – measures cortisol levels after taking dexamethasone, a synthetic form of cortisol.
- Imaging tests – check the pituitary and adrenal glands for tumours or other abnormalities.
- ACTH Stimulation Test – evaluates how the adrenal glands respond to artificial ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
These tests may also reveal the underlying cause of your high cortisol levels.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can raise cortisol levels. These conditions include:
- Hyperpituitarism
- Adrenal cancer
- Pituitary tumors
- Ectopic tumors
- Cushing’s syndrome
Medication Side Effects
Chronic use or high doses of glucocorticoid medications, such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone and hydrocortisone, can cause high cortisol levels in females and males.
Antidepressants and stimulants may also elevate cortisol levels.
Prolonged Stress
Chronic stress is a significant contributor to high cortisol levels. The body’s response system stays active when you’re continually exposed to stressful events, from relentless demands at work to multiple responsibilities at home. The adrenal glands continue to produce cortisol, leading to prolonged secretion of the stress hormone.
What Is the Treatment for High Cortisol Levels in Females?
The treatment for high cortisol levels in females depends on the cause of the hormone spike. For instance, increased cortisol levels due to a pituitary gland or adrenal gland problem require taking prescription medication.
If the root cause of high cortisol levels is medication side effects, your physician will evaluate your current medications and make safe adjustments to reduce cortisol levels while maintaining the effectiveness of your treatment.
If high cortisol levels are due to chronic stress, the treatment may mean a few lifestyle changes to restore hormonal balance.
What lifestyle changes help lower cortisol naturally?
- Exercise regularly.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Do something you enjoy every day.
- Laugh.
- Maintain healthy relationships.
- Adopt a pet.
- Recognise stressful thinking.
These lifestyle habits form the foundation for managing symptoms of cortisol imbalance. But for some women, natural changes alone may not be enough. That’s where targeted supplements can offer additional support.
Are There Supplements That Safely Lower Cortisol?
Certain supplements, such as fish oil, ashwagandha, and vitamin D, may help lower cortisol levels. Another supplement you can try is GcMAF, a naturally occurring protein that helps activate macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells that defend the body against bacteria, viruses and other harmful agents.
What is GcMAF used for? Its immune-activating function allows GcMAF to support the body’s immune system. The supplement may also be helpful in managing anxiety and depression, which are signs of high cortisol in women. GcMAF may also be helpful in improving energy by increasing cellular energy production and managing chronic fatigue syndrome, another symptom of elevated cortisol.
Symptoms of high cortisol levels in females vary, and the underlying causes determine the treatment. If you suspect you may have elevated cortisol levels, see your physician to get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
If you want to learn more about how GcMAF may be able to manage high cortisol symptoms, look through our GcMAF research list today.
Author
Dr Toshio Inui
Doctor, expert in internal medicine and worldwide authority on GcMAF treatments, Dr. Inui is the visiting professor at Kagoshima University. He has dedicated his career to developing innovative treatments using MAF, and has 22 research works and 266 citations into macrophage activating factors.