Gallery: 7 Signs Your Body May Be Producing Too Much Cortisol

Life is stressful. Some stress is positive and some is negative. Positive stress, or eustress, is the pressure we exert on ourselves to accomplish daily tasks. Everything we do from studying, attending meetings, working out, and even public speaking requires that we exert some time and energy in a specific direction.

Stress has also been deemed "the silent killer." Negative stress, or distress, stems from unexpected life events that create trouble, and sometimes chaos, in our lives. Prolonged exposure to negative stress can manifest itself both physically and mentally. One of which is the excessive production of cortisol.

Hormone.org defines cortisol as the "stress hormone" as it is released as a result of exposure to stressful situations. However, it is also one of the steroid hormones that is produced by the adrenal glands. It serves many regulatory purposes within the body including controlling blood sugar levels, regulating metabolism, helping reduce inflammation, and assisting with memory formulation. It manages salt and water balance and helps control blood pressure. Cortisol also supports the developing fetus during pregnancy. 

When too much cortisol is present in your body, you may experience everything from sleepless nights to weight gain and more. Here are 7 tell-tale signs that your body might be producing too much cortisol and why you should take action to solve the problem. To be sure though, consult your doctor about a blood test that can reveal exactly what your levels are.