As defined by MedlinePlus, cortisol is a natural hormone that's produced in the adrenal cortex in the body. Cortisol has numerous functions that are essential for sustaining life--such as maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar level, anti-inflammatory properties, stress management and suppressing the immune system. The secretion of cortisol is normally regulated by the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus. There can be various causes that can lead to high cortisol levels.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress is one of the major causes of high cortisol levels, the Schwarzbein Principle Institute says. Production of cortisol in the body is mainly a result of physical and emotional stress for a constant and prolonged period. A high level of cortisol maintains the body's dynamic equilibrium. However, a prolonged high level of cortisol tends to impair the body's ability to defend infections, as well as the body's ability to use fats and sugar for deriving energy.
Cushing's Syndrome
According to MayoClinic.com, Cushing's syndrome is often associated with increased levels of cortisol in the body. Cushing's syndrome is a medical disorder characterized by overactive functioning of the adrenal glands. This results in increased cortisol blood levels. Cushing's syndrome can be treated by determining the underlying cause of the disease. However, if left untreated, this disorder can lead to death.
Medications
Certain medications can lead to increased cortisol levels, reports MayoClinic.com. Medications such as oral contraceptives and glucocorticoids can elevate the level of cortisol in the blood. MedlinePlus further reports that elevated levels of cortisol are expected to occur in women who consume estrogen or birth control pills. Generally, lower doses of contraceptive pills or other hormonal replacement therapy are not associated with high cortisol levels.
Hyperthyroidism
The University of Michigan Health System says hyperthyroidism may be associated with high levels of cortisol. Hyperthyroidism is a medical disorder characterized by the presence of excessive production of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism results in stimulating the heart rate and various other stress-related conditions. These overall changes in the body can cause an excessive release of cortisol.
Pituitary Adenoma
Pituitary adenoma may cause high cortisol blood levels, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Pituitary adenoma is a condition in which benign tumors develop in the pituitary gland. Benign tumors are those tumors that don't invade other nearby tissues. Pituitary adenoma causes the pituitary hormone to produce adrenocorticotropic, or ACTH, hormone in greater amounts than required. This stimulates the adrenal glands to produce high levels of cortisol in the blood.
