How do I know if my cortisol is too high?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Elevated cortisol levels may indicate Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol. Common diagnostic tests include the late-night salivary cortisol test, 24-hour urinary free cortisol test, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Symptoms can include weight gain, a rounded face, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and skin changes. If you suspect your cortisol is high, consult a healthcare provider for accurate testing and diagnosis.

Not sure whether your symptoms warrant a doctor's visit? Because high cortisol shares symptoms with many other conditions, pinpointing the cause on your own can be difficult. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps—before booking an appointment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if high cortisol causes your symptoms Discover likely causes of cortisol-related symptoms See if your symptoms suggest high cortisol Find over-the-counter relief for cortisol symptoms Find doctors for cortisol-related concerns Discover proven home remedies for cortisol symptoms Understand whether symptoms need cortisol screening

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Explanation

Cortisol is a hormone that helps your body handle stress, but too much can lead to health problems like Cushing's syndrome. Signs of high cortisol can include weight gain, especially around the belly, high blood pressure, and feeling tired. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you can start by using Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing them.

Testing for High Cortisol:

Late-night Salivary Cortisol Test: This simple test measures cortisol levels in your saliva at night when they should be low. If levels are high, it could mean there's too much cortisol in your body.
Other Tests: Doctors may use other tests like blood or urine tests to check cortisol levels.

If you think your cortisol is too high, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help decide which tests are right for you and what the results mean. Remember, only a healthcare professional can diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

(References)

Ceccato F, & Boscaro M. (2016). Cushing's Syndrome: Screening and Diagnosis. High blood pressure & cardiovascular prevention : the official journal of the Italian Society of Hypertension, 27160717.
Raff H, Raff JL, & Findling JW. (1998). Late-night salivary cortisol as a screening test for Cushing's .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 9709931.
Balomenaki M, Margaritopoulos D, Vassiliadi DA, & Tsagarakis S. (2022). Diagnostic workup of Cushing's syndrome. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 35979805.

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