It is commonly known as the stress hormone. Cortisol can affect nearly every organ in the body. This is because almost every cell has receptors for cortisol and other glucocorticoids.

Myths about cortisol—also known as the “stress hormone”—abound on social media. Here’s what experts say about this substance that helps make your body tick.

In some cases, high cortisol levels could be a sign of Cushing disease, also known as hypercortisolism, a progressive pituitary disease that causes the body to overproduce cortisol.

On TikTok, wellness influencers say that if you're routinely waking up in the middle of the night, high cortisol levels are to blame. The experts say it's more complicated than that.

Stress-induced cortisol level elevations are associated with reduced negative affect after stress: indications for a mood-buffering cortisol effect. Psychosomatic Medicine, 74 (1), 23. https://doi ...

Share on Pinterest ‘Cortisol Face’ is a new TikTok wellness trend that claims stress can lead to increased cortisol levels in the body, causing inflammation and noticeable changes to your face ...

How exercise affects cortisol Cortisol doesn’t just react to stress—it follows a natural daily rhythm. Levels are highest in the morning to help us wake up and be alert, says Travis Anderson ...

What to know about the social media trending topic “cortisol face” as many are blaming the stress hormone for their increase of facial swelling and puffiness Getty “Cortisol face” is ...

The real “secret” is likely a mix of marketing and exaggerated claims. Cortisol – often called the “stress hormone” – is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress.

The term "cortisol belly" describes increased levels of the hormone cortisol playing a role in where and how much fat you gain. But different things play a role in weight gain.

In women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cortisol production rate is probably normal, although adrenal androgens can be overproduced in a subset of affected women.