Chronic hypersecretion of cortisol linked to disease

While the short-term effects of raised level of cortisol are beneficial, there is clear evidence that long-term exposure to high levels of the hormone are associated with disease. Raised levels of cortisol have been found to be a common factor in a range of stress-related diseases and disorders, including depression, anxiety, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.