Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
High Cortisol Symptoms: Causes, Signs & What to Do
Symptoms of High Cortisol can signal deeper health issues. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management.

Written by
Mito Team

High cortisol levels can affect everything from your mood and weight to your immune response. Learn about symptoms, causes, and natural ways to bring it back in balance.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a critical biomarker in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with metabolic, immune, or organ function. Elevated levels should be assessed in context with symptoms and clinical background.
What Causes High Cortisol?
Medical conditions affecting balance or organ function
Excess dietary intake or supplement use
Medication side effects
Underlying inflammation or systemic stress
Symptoms of High Cortisol
Quick Summary: Symptoms vary based on the root cause but often reflect stress on the body's systems.
Unexplained fatigue
Digestive issues or appetite changes
Fluid retention or swelling
Mood or cognitive changes
How High Cortisol Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves blood, urine, or saliva tests depending on the biomarker. Test results are interpreted in context with clinical symptoms and health history.
Normal Levels
Time of Day | Normal Range (mcg/dL) |
---|---|
Morning (8 AM) | 5–25 |
Evening (4 PM) | 2–9 |
How to Lower Cortisol Naturally
Quick Summary: Target underlying causes and improve lifestyle foundations.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Manage stress and sleep quality
Exercise regularly, as appropriate
Work with a clinician to address underlying issues
When to See a Doctor
If high levels persist or symptoms are present, consult a doctor. At MitoHealth, we assess this biomarker alongside other indicators to understand systemic trends related to hydration, inflammation, and stress.
FAQs
Can stress alone raise cortisol? Yes, it’s one of the most common reasons for elevated levels.
Is high cortisol reversible? Often, yes — through lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
Does caffeine impact cortisol? Yes, especially when consumed in large doses or on an empty stomach.
References
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
High Cortisol Symptoms: Causes, Signs & What to Do
Symptoms of High Cortisol can signal deeper health issues. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management.

Written by
Mito Team

High cortisol levels can affect everything from your mood and weight to your immune response. Learn about symptoms, causes, and natural ways to bring it back in balance.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a critical biomarker in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with metabolic, immune, or organ function. Elevated levels should be assessed in context with symptoms and clinical background.
What Causes High Cortisol?
Medical conditions affecting balance or organ function
Excess dietary intake or supplement use
Medication side effects
Underlying inflammation or systemic stress
Symptoms of High Cortisol
Quick Summary: Symptoms vary based on the root cause but often reflect stress on the body's systems.
Unexplained fatigue
Digestive issues or appetite changes
Fluid retention or swelling
Mood or cognitive changes
How High Cortisol Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves blood, urine, or saliva tests depending on the biomarker. Test results are interpreted in context with clinical symptoms and health history.
Normal Levels
Time of Day | Normal Range (mcg/dL) |
---|---|
Morning (8 AM) | 5–25 |
Evening (4 PM) | 2–9 |
How to Lower Cortisol Naturally
Quick Summary: Target underlying causes and improve lifestyle foundations.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Manage stress and sleep quality
Exercise regularly, as appropriate
Work with a clinician to address underlying issues
When to See a Doctor
If high levels persist or symptoms are present, consult a doctor. At MitoHealth, we assess this biomarker alongside other indicators to understand systemic trends related to hydration, inflammation, and stress.
FAQs
Can stress alone raise cortisol? Yes, it’s one of the most common reasons for elevated levels.
Is high cortisol reversible? Often, yes — through lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
Does caffeine impact cortisol? Yes, especially when consumed in large doses or on an empty stomach.
References
High Cortisol Symptoms: Causes, Signs & What to Do
Symptoms of High Cortisol can signal deeper health issues. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management.

Written by
Mito Team

High cortisol levels can affect everything from your mood and weight to your immune response. Learn about symptoms, causes, and natural ways to bring it back in balance.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a critical biomarker in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with metabolic, immune, or organ function. Elevated levels should be assessed in context with symptoms and clinical background.
What Causes High Cortisol?
Medical conditions affecting balance or organ function
Excess dietary intake or supplement use
Medication side effects
Underlying inflammation or systemic stress
Symptoms of High Cortisol
Quick Summary: Symptoms vary based on the root cause but often reflect stress on the body's systems.
Unexplained fatigue
Digestive issues or appetite changes
Fluid retention or swelling
Mood or cognitive changes
How High Cortisol Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves blood, urine, or saliva tests depending on the biomarker. Test results are interpreted in context with clinical symptoms and health history.
Normal Levels
Time of Day | Normal Range (mcg/dL) |
---|---|
Morning (8 AM) | 5–25 |
Evening (4 PM) | 2–9 |
How to Lower Cortisol Naturally
Quick Summary: Target underlying causes and improve lifestyle foundations.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Manage stress and sleep quality
Exercise regularly, as appropriate
Work with a clinician to address underlying issues
When to See a Doctor
If high levels persist or symptoms are present, consult a doctor. At MitoHealth, we assess this biomarker alongside other indicators to understand systemic trends related to hydration, inflammation, and stress.
FAQs
Can stress alone raise cortisol? Yes, it’s one of the most common reasons for elevated levels.
Is high cortisol reversible? Often, yes — through lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
Does caffeine impact cortisol? Yes, especially when consumed in large doses or on an empty stomach.
References
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
High Cortisol Symptoms: Causes, Signs & What to Do
Symptoms of High Cortisol can signal deeper health issues. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management.

Written by
Mito Team

High cortisol levels can affect everything from your mood and weight to your immune response. Learn about symptoms, causes, and natural ways to bring it back in balance.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a critical biomarker in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with metabolic, immune, or organ function. Elevated levels should be assessed in context with symptoms and clinical background.
What Causes High Cortisol?
Medical conditions affecting balance or organ function
Excess dietary intake or supplement use
Medication side effects
Underlying inflammation or systemic stress
Symptoms of High Cortisol
Quick Summary: Symptoms vary based on the root cause but often reflect stress on the body's systems.
Unexplained fatigue
Digestive issues or appetite changes
Fluid retention or swelling
Mood or cognitive changes
How High Cortisol Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves blood, urine, or saliva tests depending on the biomarker. Test results are interpreted in context with clinical symptoms and health history.
Normal Levels
Time of Day | Normal Range (mcg/dL) |
---|---|
Morning (8 AM) | 5–25 |
Evening (4 PM) | 2–9 |
How to Lower Cortisol Naturally
Quick Summary: Target underlying causes and improve lifestyle foundations.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Manage stress and sleep quality
Exercise regularly, as appropriate
Work with a clinician to address underlying issues
When to See a Doctor
If high levels persist or symptoms are present, consult a doctor. At MitoHealth, we assess this biomarker alongside other indicators to understand systemic trends related to hydration, inflammation, and stress.
FAQs
Can stress alone raise cortisol? Yes, it’s one of the most common reasons for elevated levels.
Is high cortisol reversible? Often, yes — through lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
Does caffeine impact cortisol? Yes, especially when consumed in large doses or on an empty stomach.
References
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What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
What's included
Duo Bundle (For 2)
Most popular
$798
$668
$130 off (17%)
Individual
$399
$349
$50 off (13%)