Ever wondered what is causing the increase of facial bloating and puffiness currently trending on TikTok? With most content creators naming the situation as Cortisol Face and attributing it to high stress levels on the skin while offering tips on reducing it, health professionals seem to argue otherwise.
Medical experts argue that stress is unlikely to cause noticeable swelling or puffiness but rather can be attributed to a medical condition known as Cushing’s Syndrome.
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition that primarily affects people who have used steroid medications, particularly steroid tablets. It is caused by an overproduction of cortisol, which is frequently caused by benign tumours in the pituitary or adrenal glands.
Symptoms of cushing’s syndrome can start suddenly or gradually. They tend to get slowly worse if not treated. The condition is characterized by sudden or gradual weight gain and increased body fat, often accompanied by a “buffalo hump” and a puffy, rounded face. Symptoms include easily bruising skin, large purple stretch marks, weakness in upper arms and thighs, reduced sex drive, fertility issues, depression, mood swings, and high blood pressure, which can become serious if untreated.
If you do not use steroids, identifying it might be difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. The level of cortisol in your body can be assessed in your urine, blood, or saliva. If these tests reveal a high cortisol level, you may be sent to an endocrinologist to confirm or rule out Cushing’s syndrome.
Cushing’s syndrome typically improves with treatment, but recovery may be delayed. Treatment depends on the cause, such as steroid use or tumour-related issues. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or medications to reduce cortisol effects. Consult a doctor about the benefits and risks of each treatment option.
