5 Signs Of High Cortisol And How To Treat Cortisol Face
Khushi | Oct 23, 2025, 16:59 IST
High cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” can show up in your body in subtle ways and one of the most noticeable signs is a puffy, rounded face, also called cortisol face. This article breaks down 5 common signs of high cortisol, including mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, and skin issues, helping you spot early warning signs.
High cortisol is a very common issues among young adult, middle age, and older generations. It is the cause of many serious health conditions if not controlled on time. There are various factors that affect cortisol and many signs of high cortisol. Below is the list of 5 signs of high cortisol and how to mange.
1. High Blood Pressure For High Cortisol
High levels of cortisol are generally associated with stress which cause blood pressure to rise, gives you certain signs such as headaches, and can contribute to heart diseases.
It happens because the blood vessels becomes more sensitive to hormones and they constrict them which then elevate blood pressure. In case of high blood pressure make sure to keep yourself calm by following some meditative activities, keeping yourself calm in every situation.
2. Weight Gain Slows Metabolism
When fat deposits around the face, abdomen, and upper back. It is also when your body weight starts to increase abruptly. This can be a serious medical condition which needs immediate attention.
People having high cortisol levels have slow metabolism and gain weight even if they don't change their habits. Having high cortisol can increase appetite, also fat builds up in various parts of the body. Daily exercising and maintaining a good diet will help a lot to control your extra weight gain.
3. Stress Hormones Causing Mood Swings
Changes in mood such as irritability, anxiety depression or mood swings can be a sign of high cortisol levels. Cortisol affects the brain which cause all these mood swings at an extreme level.
4. High Cortisol Causes Easy Bruising
When the cortisol levels stay too high for much long period this condition is called hypercortisolism or Cushing's syndrome, which later weaken the skin and blood vessels which is the main cause of easy bruising.
It basically breaks down the collagen, the protein which is responsible for keeping the skin strong and elastic.
High cortisol affects your immunity and kills white blood cells which causes slower healing of wounds and hence bruises take longer time to fade.
5 Different Types of Sleep Disorder
High cortisol can affect sleep in many different ways:
How To Manage Cortisol Face
This is a serious and a very common issues that people face. We need to make sure that we control it before it becomes too risky.
High cortisol can be a serious issue for oneself if not treated on time and controlled. Make sure to adopt health habits in day to day life to avid such health hazards.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
1. High Blood Pressure For High Cortisol
High Blood Pressure
High levels of cortisol are generally associated with stress which cause blood pressure to rise, gives you certain signs such as headaches, and can contribute to heart diseases.
It happens because the blood vessels becomes more sensitive to hormones and they constrict them which then elevate blood pressure. In case of high blood pressure make sure to keep yourself calm by following some meditative activities, keeping yourself calm in every situation.
2. Weight Gain Slows Metabolism
Weight Gain
When fat deposits around the face, abdomen, and upper back. It is also when your body weight starts to increase abruptly. This can be a serious medical condition which needs immediate attention.
People having high cortisol levels have slow metabolism and gain weight even if they don't change their habits. Having high cortisol can increase appetite, also fat builds up in various parts of the body. Daily exercising and maintaining a good diet will help a lot to control your extra weight gain.
3. Stress Hormones Causing Mood Swings
Changes in mood such as irritability, anxiety depression or mood swings can be a sign of high cortisol levels. Cortisol affects the brain which cause all these mood swings at an extreme level.
4. High Cortisol Causes Easy Bruising
Easy Bruising
When the cortisol levels stay too high for much long period this condition is called hypercortisolism or Cushing's syndrome, which later weaken the skin and blood vessels which is the main cause of easy bruising.
It basically breaks down the collagen, the protein which is responsible for keeping the skin strong and elastic.
High cortisol affects your immunity and kills white blood cells which causes slower healing of wounds and hence bruises take longer time to fade.
5 Different Types of Sleep Disorder
Sleep Disorder
High cortisol can affect sleep in many different ways:
- Insomnia: It keep your body in constant flight or fight mode through out the day which results in increased alertness and makes it hard to relax.
- Random Night Awakenings: It effects the deep sleep and does not let you sleep peacefully and undisturbed. This may cause you to wake up multiple times during night and feel unfreshened in the morning.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Even when you sleep for 7-8 hours daily, still feels like you have not slept full and body does not feel fully recharged resulting in fatigue and also affecting memory in some cases.
How To Manage Cortisol Face
- Manage Stress: Relaxing helps a lot like mediating, deep breathing exercises or gently yoga daily is very beneficial.
- Improve sleep : Make constant sleep cycle, where during bedtime avoid any caffeine, screentime or large and heavy meals.
- Seek medical advice: If symptoms are severe, consult a doctor and follow the prescribed medications.
High cortisol can be a serious issue for oneself if not treated on time and controlled. Make sure to adopt health habits in day to day life to avid such health hazards.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can cortisol cause headaches?High cortisol levels can cause several symptoms, such as weight gain, headaches, irritability, and others. In most cases, the symptoms are not specific to increased cortisol levels. You will need to contact a doctor for a formal diagnosis, which often requires a blood, saliva, or urine test
- How do I tell if I have cortisol on my face?Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," is essential for a range of bodily functions. But when it's persistently high, it can lead to a variety of cosmetic changes that many find distressing. One of the most noticeable signs is a rounder, fuller face, sometimes accompanied by a ruddy complexion
- Can I check cortisol at home?Chronic stress can seriously affect our health. But at-home saliva cortisol test can help assess your stress levels by measuring how your cortisol levels trend throughout the day.
