When your body makes too much cortisol, a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Also known as hydrocortisone, it’s meant to help you handle short-term pressure—like dodging a car or meeting a deadline. But when levels stay high for months or years, it starts breaking down your body instead of protecting it.
Cortisol excess often comes from Cushing's syndrome, a condition where your body is flooded with too much cortisol, either from tumors or long-term steroid use. It can also happen if you take high-dose steroid medications like deflazacort, a synthetic corticosteroid used for inflammation and autoimmune diseases. These drugs mimic cortisol, and over time, your body can’t tell the difference. The result? Weight gain around your middle, thinning skin that bruises easily, mood swings, muscle weakness, and trouble sleeping. Women might stop getting their periods. Men can lose libido. Even your bones start to weaken.
It’s not always obvious. Many people think their weight gain is just from eating too much or not exercising enough. But if you’ve gained weight fast, especially around your face and belly, while your arms and legs stay thin, that’s a red flag. High blood pressure, diabetes, and constant fatigue often show up too. If you’re on long-term steroids—whether for asthma, arthritis, or lupus—you’re at higher risk. And if you’ve had a tumor on your pituitary or adrenal glands, that’s another major cause.
What you’ll find in these articles isn’t just theory. You’ll see real comparisons between steroid drugs like Calcort and prednisone, how medications can trigger serious side effects like agranulocytosis, and what steps you can take to protect your health when cortisol is running wild. Some posts dive into how environmental and drug factors affect your body’s balance, while others show how to spot early signs before things get worse. Whether you’re managing a prescription, dealing with unexplained symptoms, or just trying to understand why you feel off, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by too much cortisol, often from a tumor. Surgery is the most effective cure - especially for pituitary or adrenal tumors. Learn how it works, what to expect, and why timing matters.
