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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Expert designed recommendations across exercise, nutrition, and supplements

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Upload past labs and monitor your progress over time

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Order add-on tests and scans anytime

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Billed annually - cancel anytime

Bundle options:

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$399

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/year

or 4 interest-free payments of $87.25*

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(For 2)

$798

$668

/year

or 4 interest-free payments of $167*

Pricing for members in NY, NJ & RI may vary.

Checkout with HSA/FSA

Secure, private platform

What's included

Comprehensive lab testing (Core)

100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ labs nationwide

In-depth health insights & action plan

Expert designed recommendations across exercise, nutrition, and supplements

1:1 Consultation

Meet with your dedicated care team to review your results and define next steps

Lifetime health record tracking

Upload past labs and monitor your progress over time

Biological age analysis

See how your body is aging and what’s driving it

Order add-on tests and scans anytime

Access to advanced diagnostics at discounted rates for members

Concierge-level care, made accessible.

Mito Health Membership

Codeveloped with experts at MIT & Stanford

Less than $1/ day

Billed annually - cancel anytime

Bundle options:

Individual

$399

$349

/year

or 4 interest-free payments of $87.25*

Duo Bundle (For 2)

$798

$668

/year

or 4 interest-free payments of $167*

Pricing for members in NY, NJ & RI may vary.

Checkout with HSA/FSA

Secure, private platform

What's included

Comprehensive lab testing (Core)

100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ labs nationwide

In-depth health insights & action plan

Expert designed recommendations across exercise, nutrition, and supplements

1:1 Consultation

Meet with your dedicated care team to review your results and define next steps

Lifetime health record tracking

Upload past labs and monitor your progress over time

Biological age analysis

See how your body is aging and what’s driving it

Order add-on tests and scans anytime

Access to advanced diagnostics at discounted rates for members

Concierge-level care, made accessible.

Mito Health Membership

Codeveloped with experts at MIT & Stanford

Less than $1/ day

Billed annually - cancel anytime

Bundle options:

Individual

$399

$349

/year

or 4 payments of $87.25*

Duo Bundle
(For 2)

$798

$668

/year

or 4 payments of $167*

Pricing for members in NY, NJ & RI may vary.

Checkout with HSA/FSA

Secure, private platform

10x more value at a fraction of the walk-in price.

10x more value at a fraction of
the walk-in price.

10x more value at a fraction of the walk-in price.

10x more value at a fraction of the walk-in price.

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.