10 visible signs that indicate one might have a high level of stress hormone 'cortisol'

Stress isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it shows up quietly—through puffy eyes, hair fall, or sudden skin changes. The body is smarter than it gets credit for; it keeps sending signals, especially when the stress hormone cortisol shoots up.


Cortisol is important—it keeps the body alert and awake. But when it stays high for too long, it starts doing more harm than good. What’s often brushed off as “just stress” may actually be the body screaming for attention. Here are 10 signs that could signal a persistently high level of cortisol.


Puffy face , especially around the eyes

Chronically high cortisol levels can lead to fluid retention, especially around the face and eyes. According to a 2013 study published in Endocrine Reviews, cortisol affects the body’s salt-water balance, making the face appear swollen or rounded, especially in the mornings.


Thin skin and easy bruising

High cortisol levels can break down collagen, the protein that gives skin its strength. Over time, skin becomes fragile, thinner, and more prone to bruising even with minor knocks. This is common in people with Cushing’s syndrome, a condition linked with cortisol excess.



Unexplained belly fat with thin arms and legs

Cortisol triggers fat storage around the abdomen, but at the same time, causes muscle breakdown in the limbs. That’s why some people notice a disproportionate weight gain—fat around the belly but muscle loss in arms and legs. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism confirms this pattern.


Dark patches or pigmentation around neck and armpits

Long-term cortisol spikes can interfere with insulin regulation, leading to a condition called acanthosis nigricans. These dark patches are a result of hormonal imbalance, not dirt.



Hair thinning at the crown or sudden hair loss

Cortisol disrupts the hair growth cycle, especially the anagen phase, causing hair to shed prematurely. Hair loss that begins subtly from the scalp crown area is often a red flag for hormonal disruption linked to cortisol.


Frequent skin breakouts, even in adulthood

Cortisol increases sebum production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Worse, it slows healing, so pimples stay longer and leave deeper marks. A 2020 review in Experimental Dermatology also links cortisol surges with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema.



Visible red or purple stretch marks on the body

While weight gain plays a role, cortisol breaks down connective tissue, causing wide, reddish-purple striae—especially on the stomach, thighs, or underarms. These marks are usually deeper than normal stretch marks.


Unexplained facial hair growth in women

High cortisol can indirectly stimulate androgen (male hormone) production, especially in women, leading to excess hair growth on the chin, jawline, or upper lip—a condition also seen in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), where cortisol plays a secondary role.


Red face or flushed skin without fever

When cortisol remains high, it can dilate blood vessels, making the face appear red or blotchy, especially under stress or embarrassment. Persistent flushing could indicate more than just momentary tension.



Tired-looking eyes with deepening crow’s feet

Chronically elevated cortisol shortens telomeres (the protective ends of DNA), accelerating ageing. The first visible impact? Fine lines around the eyes, sunken appearance, and dark circles that don’t go away even after rest.