Reasons for High Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, which are located above your kidneys. There are numerous possible causes for elevated cortisol levels. In cases of abnormally high levels, your primary care physician or endocrinologist will consider conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, glandular tumors, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Cushing's syndrome is characterized by high cortisol levels along with symptoms such as a ruddy complexion; excessive fatty deposits in the upper body, particularly on the back; tiredness and a tendency for bruising of the skin. A common cause is the chronic use of prednisone or other corticosteroids.

Cushing's Disease

• Pituitary tumors will also need to be ruled out. Cushing's disease refers to a benign tumor at the base of the brain causing the pituitary glands to signal the body to raise cortisol levels.

Adrenal Tumors

• Tumors located directly on the adrenal glands themselves can also lead to high cortisol levels. These tumors may be cancerous or they may be benign, but in either case they can lead to abnormal endocrine levels.

Additional Factors

• If you have kidney damage, liver disease or excessive thyroid production (hyperthyroidism), these conditions can contribute to high cortisol blood levels.

The Role of Depression

• There has been research indicating a link between high cortisol levels and depression, such as a 2004 study in the "Journal of Biological Psychiatry" which found that depressed patients with heart disease had higher levels of cortisol than those who were not depressed. However, the influence of depression on cortisol is not agreed upon unanimously by researchers, as evidenced by commentary in the British Journal of Psychology.