Causes of high cortisol levels

Elevated cortisol levels can be caused by physiological, pathological, and pharmacological factors. Physiologically, cortisol levels may significantly increase during pregnancy in women, which is a normal condition requiring no treatment. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption is directly associated with increased cortisol levels, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is recommended. Pharmacologically, long-term use of glucocorticoid medications such as methylprednisolone and dexamethasone can lead to elevated cortisol levels. Pathologically, high cortisol is often caused by tumors.