Repeated stress, especially around festivals, is common as most people struggle between work and family commitments. However, consistent stress and certain underlying conditions can spike your cortisol levels – leading to a range of symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, and a hump between the shoulders – known as Cushing's syndrome. While cortisol is a part of your body’s natural response to threats of harm or danger, experts say if cortisol is consistently too high, it usually leads to an underlying health problem like Cushing syndrome or hypercortisolism.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome Apart from a hump between the shoulders, a few signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include: Weight gain Fatty deposits, especially in the midsection, your face, which becomes round and moon-shaped Purple stretch marks around your breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs Thinning skin, which causes bruises easily Injuries on your skin that are very slow to heal Acne and other skin issues Fatigue and tiredness Muscle weakness High blood sugar levels High blood pressure Increased urination Mood swings Irritability and depression Increased number of infections Why does high cortisol cause a hump in the back? According to experts, high levels of cortisol lead to increased fat synthesis – which begins to get deposited in and around your neck, known as lipodystrophy. This condition produces the characteristic buffalo hump – which can also be due to an adrenal tumour, lung tumour, or glucoc.