When your body makes too much cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Also known as hydrocortisone, it’s meant to help you handle emergencies — but too much over time can wreck your health. This isn’t just about being stressed out. True cortisol excess often comes from a tumor, long-term steroid use, or a rare condition called Cushing's syndrome, a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. It’s not rare — many people on long-term prednisone or other corticosteroids don’t realize their symptoms are linked to the drug, not aging or laziness.
What does cortisol excess actually do to your body? It shifts fat to your belly and face, thins your skin so it bruises easily, and weakens your muscles. You might feel tired all the time, even after sleeping. Blood pressure and blood sugar climb, raising your risk for diabetes and heart trouble. Women may stop getting periods. Men can lose libido. These aren’t side effects — they’re signs your hormone system is out of balance. And it’s not just about the adrenal glands. Sometimes the pituitary gland sends the wrong signals, or a tumor in the lungs or pancreas starts making ACTH, which then forces your adrenals to overproduce cortisol. That’s why doctors check for steroid medications, prescription drugs that mimic cortisol and can cause similar symptoms when used long-term. If you’ve been on these for months or years, your body may have stopped making its own cortisol properly.
Some people mistake cortisol excess for depression or menopause. But the clues are there: purple stretch marks on your abdomen, slow-healing cuts, frequent infections, and mood swings that don’t match your life situation. If you’ve tried dieting, exercise, and sleep fixes — and nothing changes — it might be time to ask about cortisol levels. Blood tests, saliva tests, and dexamethasone suppression tests can help. Treatment depends on the cause: surgery for tumors, adjusting meds, or gradually weaning off steroids under supervision. You don’t have to live with these symptoms. The posts below cover real cases, how doctors diagnose this, what medications help, and how to spot early signs before things get serious.
Nov, 12 2025
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, often from a tumor. Surgery is the most effective treatment for endogenous cases, with high success rates when performed at specialized centers. Recovery takes months, but many regain their health.