We all know that stress can cause confusion, but did you know that it can also have negative effects on your body?
Cortisol is a hormone released during times of stress that triggers the familiar “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, also helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and immune function.
However, while cortisol is effective in the short term, taking too much can cause many physical problems. Fitness guru Liz Tenuto (@theworkoutwitch) I recently started TikTok We reveal 10 surprisingly specific signs that stress may be causing your cortisol levels to go crazy.
eye twitch
Although usually harmless, eye twitching is often the first physical sign that stress is taking its toll.
The muscles around our eyes are small and weak, making them our “first responders” to elevated cortisol levels. When cortisol spikes, it acts like a stimulant (think caffeine), causing your muscles to contract or spasm involuntarily.
bloating
Remember “Moonface”? It took TikTok by storm last year, with beauty experts warning that facial puffiness could be a sign of elevated cortisol levels.
While cortisol has its benefits, too much can disrupt your body’s salt and water balance, leading to fluid retention and bloating.
In rare cases, facial swelling can also be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, where the body produces too much cortisol.
But it doesn’t just affect the face. Elevated cortisol levels can also reduce blood flow to the digestive system and disrupt intestinal function and gut bacteria. result? Indigestion, excess gas, and increased bloating.
random bruises
If you notice unexplained bruising, it could be a sign that your cortisol levels are too high.
When cortisol levels increase, Weakens structural proteins in the skinthe skin becomes thinner and more brittle.
Too much cortisol also weakens the walls of small blood vessels, making them more susceptible to damage and bleeding from even minor trauma.
hair removal
Chronic stress can also affect your hairline.
the study showed Elevated cortisol can force hair follicle stem cells into a prolonged resting phase, preventing new hair growth and causing hair loss.
Additionally, when your adrenal glands focus on producing extra cortisol, they produce less hormones that support healthy hair growth, such as testosterone and estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can cause hair thinning.
deterioration of vision
High cortisol levels can put your vision at risk.
When cortisol increases rapidly, obstruct blood flow It affects everything from the eyes to the brain, leading to potential visual impairment. Elevated cortisol also increases intraocular pressure, which over time increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a serious vision-threatening condition.
That’s not all. Hormonal changes caused by high cortisol are also associated with dry eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
brain fog
Do you have difficulty concentrating? High cortisol levels may be the culprit.
Chronic stress causes cortisol levels to rise rapidly, interfere with areas of the brain Responsible for memory, concentration, and decision-making. As a result, you may have difficulty concentrating, remembering information, and thinking clearly.
But that’s not all. Elevated cortisol can also disrupt the balance of other key neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, further impairing cognitive function and leaving you feeling mentally foggy and overwhelmed.
tinnitus
Tinnitus isn’t just a nuisance; it can also mean your stress levels are too high.
Elevated cortisol can impair the auditory system and affect blood flow, nerve function, and inflammation. All of these can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus is when you hear a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound without an external source.
The hard part? Tinnitus can increase stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. The more stressed you are, the worse your tinnitus will be, which will increase your stress level, which will further increase your cortisol levels.
extreme temperature
Have you ever had a sudden hot flash followed by chills? High cortisol could be the culprit.
When cortisol levels spike, the brain responds to estrogenIt can cause hot flashes even if your estrogen levels are completely normal. Hot flashes are usually associated with hormonal imbalances, but changes in cortisol due to stress can have a similar effect.
But that’s not all. Due to fluctuations in cortisol, cause cold hot flashes That chill sensation is caused when the body shifts blood flow to vital organs and away from less important areas such as the skin and stomach.
Chest pain of unknown cause
If you are experiencing chest pain, stress may be the culprit.
High cortisol levels increase your blood pressure, narrow your arteries, disrupt your heart rhythm, and increase your risk of chest discomfort.
Additionally, anxiety and panic attacks caused by high cortisol levels can cause chest pain that looks eerily similar to a heart attack.
exhausted by 3 p.m.
Did you hit a wall by mid-afternoon? It may not just be your schedule. Your cortisol rhythm could be driving you crazy.
Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning, helping you wake up and stay alert. It then drops in the evening, indicating it’s time to relax. Constant stress can completely disrupt this natural rhythm.
As a result, the adrenal glands can become overworked trying to maintain adequate cortisol production. This can cause your cortisol levels to spike at the wrong times or drop when you need energy the most, leaving you feeling sluggish, brain foggy, and feeling invigorated for the rest of the day. This means that you may have a hard time spending time.
