If you frequently experience a puffy face, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is a key indicator of stress and metabolic processes. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to noticeable swelling in the face, known as "cortisol face.
" In some cases, the condition can be so severe that the face literally becomes circular. While occasional spikes in cortisol are normal as part of the body's stress response, consistently high levels can signal a more serious health problem and should be addressed. How does it happen? The reasons for high cortisol levels can vary: chronic, emotional or physical stress are the most common causes (because stressful situations activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis - HPA axis - which leads to the release of cortisol).
Diseases such as Cushing's syndrome, in which the body produces too much cortisol, can also be the trigger. However, genetic disorders, medication, dietary habits and hormonal imbalances can also drive up cortisol levels. Dr Petra Algenstaedt, a preventive, nutritional and metabolic physician and medical director at the UKE Hamburg says: "As a hormone expert, many people present to me with weight gain and metabolic changes with the question of hormonal disorders as the cause of these changes".
"One cause is increased cortisol production from the adrenal gland or an overproduction of ACTH, the hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland (pituitary gland).