10 weirdly specific signs you have high cortisol because of stress

We all know stress messes with our heads, but did you know it can also wreak havoc on our bodies? Say hello to cortisol, the hormone released when stress hits, triggering that familiar “fight, flight or freeze” response.Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol also helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and immune function.But while cortisol is helpful in short bursts, too much of it can create a host of physical problems.

Fitness guru Liz Tenuto (@theworkoutwitch) recently took to TikTok to reveal 10 surprisingly specific signs that your cortisol levels might be through the roof, all thanks to stress.Typically harmless, eye twitches are often the first physical sign that stress is taking its toll.Because the muscles around our eyes are small and weak, they’re the “first responders” to elevated cortisol levels.When cortisol spikes, it acts like a stimulant (think: caffeine), causing muscles to contract or spasm involuntarily.Remember “moon face”? It took TikTok by storm last year, with beauty influencers warning that facial puffiness could be a sign of high cortisol levels.While cortisol has its benefits, too much of it can mess with the body’s salt and water balance, leading to fluid retention and bloating. In rare cases, facial swelling can also be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, when the body produces too much cortisol.But it doesn’t just affect your face — elevated cortisol levels can also reduce blood flow to the digestive system, disrupting bowel function and gut bacteria.

The result? Poor digestion, excess gas and more bloating.If you’re noticing unexplained bruises, it could be a sign that your cortisol levels are too high. Elevated cortisol levels can weaken structural proteins in the skin, making the skin thinner and more fragile. Too much cortisol also weakens the walls of small blood vessels, making them more prone to damage and bleeding, even from minor trauma.Chronic stress can also affect your hairline.Research has show...