Difficulty sleeping

High cortisol levels can disrupt the body's normal sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Fatigue

Elevated cortisol levels can lead to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue, even after a full night's sleep.

Depression or anxiety

Long-term cortisol imbalances can contribute to the development of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Cravings for sugar or salty foods

Cortisol imbalances can disrupt the body's natural appetite-regulating hormones, leading to cravings for sugary or fatty foods.

Irritability

High cortisol levels can make people feel more irritable and on-edge.

Unexplained weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area

Cortisol can affect insulin levels in the body, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight, particularly in the abdominal area.

Low libido

Elevated cortisol levels can decrease sex drive.

Irregular menstrual cycles in women

Cortisol imbalances can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to irregular menstrual cycles in women.