What Is Cushing Syndrome?
3. Corticosteroids
Another relatively common cause of high cortisol levels is the use of corticosteroids. These are a type of medication that is typically used to treat inflammatory disease. Corticosteroids are made from synthetic compounds that are just like cortisol. This means that using corticosteroids over a prolonged period can increase the levels of cortisol in the body.
Corticosteroids taken orally, or when used as creams, are unlikely to result in high cortisol levels, but it will happen in a small number of cases. High cortisol levels are more likely to happen when the corticosteroids are injected, however. If you are experiencing symptoms after using corticosteroids then you should speak with your doctor.
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