Can a puffy face be a symptom of high cortisol levels? Expert Answers (Image credit: iStock)
Are you experiencing one? swollen face Often? It can be worrying. Facial swellingcommonly known as puffy face, may indicate elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressWhile cortisol is essential for several bodily functions, chronically high levels can lead to ‘Cushing’s syndrome’, a condition characterised by distinctive physical changes, including facial swelling. So how do you know if you have a high cortisol level? We got in touch with Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, who shares the symptoms to look out for.
Mechanism behind facial swelling
Dr. DM Mahajan shares high cortisol levels It can contribute to facial swelling through several mechanisms:
– Fluid retention: Cortisol affects the body’s fluid balance, increasing water retention in facial tissues.
– Fat redistribution: Excess cortisol can cause fat accumulation, especially in the face, neck and trunk.
– Weakening of connective tissue: Cortisol can weaken collagen, a protein that provides structure to the skin, resulting in puffiness and a rounder facial appearance.
Signs of elevated cortisol levels
Dr. Mahajan explains that patients with elevated cortisol levels may show:
– Moon Face: A round, full appearance that resembles a full moon.
– Facial redness: Due to thinning of the skin and visible blood vessels.
– Acne or oily skin: Increased fat production stimulated by cortisol.
– Increased facial hair growth: especially noticeable in women.
However, facial swelling alone is not a definitive indicator of high cortisol levels and could be attributed to other factors such as allergies, sinus problems, or certain medications.
Diagnosis
Dr DM Mahajan shares that if a health expert suspects high cortisol levels due to facial swelling and related symptoms, he or she may recommend the following tests:
– 24-hour urine free cortisol test: Measures cortisol levels in urine over a full day.
– Late-night salivary cortisol test: Assesses cortisol levels in saliva at night, when levels should be at their lowest.
– Dexamethasone suppression test: assesses the cortisol response to a synthetic steroid.
– Blood cortisol test: Measures cortisol levels in the blood at specific times.
Treatment for high cortisol levels
Treatment for elevated cortisol levels varies depending on the underlying cause. If Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed, options may include:
– Medication: To reduce cortisol production.
– Surgery: To remove tumors that cause excess cortisol.
– Radiotherapy: In some cases.
As cortisol levels normalize, facial swelling usually improves, although it may take a while for the face to completely return to its previous appearance.
Other causes of facial swelling
Other possible causes of facial swelling include:
– Hypothyroidism
– Allergic reactions
– Kidney or liver disease
– Certain medications: such as steroids.
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