If the tissues within the body become exposed to abnormally high levels of cortisol--a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the kidneys--a patient can develop a condition called Cushing's syndrome. This rare condition most frequently develops in patients between the ages of 20 and 50, explains medical professionals at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Patients who develop high adrenal cortisol symptoms should seek additional care from a physician.
Obesity, Moon Face and Stretch Marks
Patients with high blood levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol can exhibit obesity within the stomach and upper body. Affected patients may develop excess fat around the face or neck, which can give the face a rounded, puffy, moon-like shape. Excess weight and fat may also accumulate between the shoulder blades, causing affected patients to develop a hump within the upper back. Weight gain caused by high cortisol levels can also lead to the development of purple- or pink-colored stretch marks along the stomach, arms, breasts or thighs. Patients with high cortisol levels typically have relatively thin legs and arms, reports the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.
Fatigue, Weakness or Depression
Severe fatigue or muscle weakness can occur in patients who have abnormally high levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol within their bodies. Affected patients may have difficulty remaining active and alert throughout the day due to these symptoms. Mood-related symptoms can also develop as a result of high cortisol levels says FamilyDoctor.org. Certain patients can become abnormally irritable, anxious or depressed, which may impact their relationships with loved ones or colleagues.
Thin Skin, Bruising or Bone Weakness
An overactive adrenal gland that produces excessive levels of cortisol can cause skin-related changes in affected patients. The skin can appear unusually thin and may easily sustain cuts and scrapes after minor injuries. Certain patients may experience extensive skin bruising, which can cause the affected skin to appear unusually discolored. High cortisol levels in the body can also lead to bone degradation--a condition referred to as osteoporosis--explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for health professionals. Osteoporosis may cause patients to be more susceptible to back pain or broken or fractured bones from bending over or lifting heavy items.
High Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated cortisol levels can cause high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels in affected patients. If this occurs, affected patients may experience increased urination or thirst and may be at an increased risk of developing diabetes, warns the University of California, San Fransisco or UCSF.
Sex-related Changes
Women with unusually high cortisol levels can experience excess hair growth across the face, chest, stomach or thighs as a symptom of this hormonal imbalance. Affected women may also develop menstrual cycle irregularities or may not experience a monthly menstrual cycle. UCSF says that elevated cortisol levels in men may cause decreased sexual libido, which may be accompanied by erectile dysfunction.
