1 hr ago
Doctors Explain Cortisol Causes, Risks, Myths, and Helpful Next Steps
Cortisol is a hormone that can become too high or too low.
Doctors say long-term use of steroid medicines is the most common cause of very high cortisol.
Less often, a tumor in the adrenal glands or pituitary gland can cause high cortisol.
A high cortisol test by itself does not mean a person has cancer.
Low cortisol can also be dangerous.
Addison’s disease is one condition linked with low cortisol.
People who take steroid medicines for a long time may be more likely to have abnormal levels.
People with adrenal or pituitary problems may also be at higher risk.
Anyone concerned about cortisol should speak with a medical professional.
Long-term steroid medication use is described as the most common cause of persistently high cortisol.
Less common causes of high cortisol include adrenal tumors and ACTH-producing pituitary tumors.
Doctors say elevated cortisol alone is not a diagnostic marker for cancer.
Persistently low cortisol, including in Addison’s disease, can also be dangerous.
People using steroids long term or with adrenal or pituitary disorders face higher risks of abnormal cortisol levels.
- Who
- Doctors Narendra, Talukdar, and Mahesh explain causes and risks linked to abnormal cortisol levels.
- What
- The discussion distinguishes established causes of high or low cortisol from online claims that may cause unnecessary alarm.
- Where
- When
- Why
- To clarify what abnormal cortisol levels may indicate and when professional medical advice is needed.
Online Alarm
Medical Clarification
High cortisol and cancer
Online Alarm
Online claims may lead people to worry that a high cortisol result means they have cancer.
Medical Clarification
Dr. Talukdar says elevated cortisol by itself is not a diagnostic marker for cancer and does not mean someone has cancer.
Abnormal cortisol levels
Online Alarm
The discussion highlights concern about both persistently high and persistently low cortisol.
Medical Clarification
The doctors identify medication use and adrenal or pituitary disorders as important medical causes requiring professional consultation.
Key facts
- Most common cause of high cortisol
- Long-term use of steroid medications.
- Less common causes
- An adrenal-gland tumor or an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor.
- Cancer clarification
- Elevated cortisol alone is not a diagnostic marker for cancer.
- Low cortisol
- Persistently low cortisol, including in Addison’s disease, can be dangerous.
- Higher-risk groups
- People taking steroid medicines long term and those with adrenal or pituitary disorders.
- Recommended response
- Seek professional consultation for concerns about abnormal cortisol levels.
Quotes
Dr. Narendra
Doctor explaining the most common cause of persistently high cortisol.
“Persistently high cortisol is most commonly caused by long-term use of steroid medications — this is the most frequent cause of Cushing's syndrome”
timesnownews.com
“elevated cortisol by itself is not a diagnostic marker for cancer, nor does a high cortisol result mean that someone has cancer.”
timesnownews.com
Sources
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