Signs Your Cortisol Levels Are High
Image: Pexels
12 November 2025
1. Stubborn belly fat: Cortisol encourages fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area, even if your diet and exercise habits haven't changed
Image: Unsplash
2. Constant tiredness: You may feel drained throughout the day, even after a full night's rest, due to disrupted sleep patterns caused by cortisol imbalance
Image: Pexels
3. Sleep disturbances: High cortisol can make it hard to fall asleep or keep you waking up in the middle of the night, especially around 2–3 am
Image: Pexels
4. Mood swings and anxiety: You might feel easily overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or emotionally reactive, as cortisol affects your brain's stress response
Image: Pexels
5. High blood pressure: Elevated cortisol can constrict blood vessels, leading to consistently higher blood pressure levels
Image: Pexels
6. Mental fog: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or a slowed thinking process can result from cortisol's impact on brain function
Image: Pexels
7. Weakened immune system: If you're falling sick often or taking longer to recover, high cortisol may be suppressing your immune response
Image: Pexels
8. Digestive problems: Bloating, stomach pain, or IBS-like symptoms may occur, as stress hormones affect gut health
Image: Pexels
9. Increased cravings: You may notice strong urges for salty, sugary, or fatty foods, as cortisol influences appetite
Image: Pexels
10. Hormonal imbalances: In women, high cortisol can disrupt menstrual cycles, reduce fertility, or lower libido
Image: Pexels
Check More Stories
Image: Pexels
ndtv.com