Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its consequences are not just mood swings and mental fatigue. Continual stress makes people produce extra cortisol, a hormone that has a critical role in adapting to short-term challenges, but chronically in high quantities it tends to cause harm to the body causing lots of physical and mental disorders.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps the body control its "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Cortisol temporarily adjusts blood sugar levels, maintains blood pressure, and assists the immune system, among other functions, in short spurts. But when stress persists, cortisol remains high, and necessary functions of the body are interfered with and rendered more susceptible to disease.

According to one survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stress negatively affects a third of Americans' physical health. Concerns are reinforced by research where studies have shown 80% of primary care visits are stress-related.

But why does stress have such a profound impact? Elevated cortisol limits the immune system's ability to fight infections, disrupts hormonal balance, and triggers inflammation. Over time, these changes can lead to serious health complications.

Signs That High Cortisol Is Stressing Your Body

Persistent Eye Twitches

Do you have involuntary eye spasms? These harmless but annoying twitches often indicate elevated cortisol. The tiny muscles around the eyes are extremely sensitive to stress, contracting or spasming because of cortisol's stimulant-like effects.

Skin Breakouts and Sensitivity

Your skin often reflects what is going on inside your body, and chronic stress can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Elevated cortisol levels stimulate oil production, which exacerbates acne. It also slows down the healing process, worsens conditions like eczema, and contributes to general irritation of the skin.

Frequent Bloating and Digestive Issues

It also interferes with the body's balance of salt and water, which causes fluid retention and bloating. Excess cortisol also slows down blood flow to the digestive system, which further weakens gut bacteria and causes poor digestion, excess gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Weight Fluctuations

High cortisol stimulates the production of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop, making people want to eat sugary, high-fat foods. For many, this becomes an excuse to stress-eat and gain weight. For others, the opposite is true: their appetite disappears under stress, causing them to lose weight.

Unexplained Bruising

If you’re noticing random bruises, elevated cortisol could be the culprit. This hormone weakens skin proteins and the walls of small blood vessels, making your skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Cold Symptoms That Won’t Go Away

Do you feel rundown or experience muscle aches, fatigue, or upset stomach regularly? Elevated cortisol mimics cold-like symptoms. Long-term stress also weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Also Read: Stressed At Work? Your Sleep Might Be Paying The Price, New Study Shows

Vision Problems

Chronic stress can damage your eyesight. Elevated cortisol disrupts blood flow to the eyes, increases eye pressure, and raises the risk of glaucoma. Symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are also common.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular Menstrual Cycles that disrupt the menstrual period. In females, this leads to hormonal distress causing irregular or missed periods. Over time, it may also disturb fertility.

Tinnitus or Persistent Ringing in the Ears

If you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds without an apparent source, stress might be the culprit. Cortisol affects the auditory system by interfering with blood flow and nerve function and could be the trigger for tinnitus.

Increased Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Increased levels of cortisol contribute to inflammation that can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and promote the development of heart disease. Chronic inflammation is also associated with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Long-term Consequences of Increased Cortisol

Left unchecked, high cortisol levels can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Chronic stress has been associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic syndromes. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine underlined the link between stress and physical health, with recent research in Neurobiology of Stres supporting these findings.

Ways Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Managing stress and cortisol levels is essential for maintaining overall health. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga, which helps lower cortisol by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is crucial, as lack of rest can increase cortisol levels; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Another remedy is an overall balanced diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that could manage cortisol production. Finally, it would prevent burnout and chronic stress if proper boundaries were set at work and in personal life.

Yoga can act as a "polypill" by addressing multiple underlying factors that contribute to lifestyle diseases, according to Dr. Rima Dada, Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who has been studying yoga and its impact on lifestyle disorders for the past 20 years.

Speaking about her research, Dr. Rima said yoga is a profound science, technology, and art of living that can tackle factors that set the stage for a wide range of diseases.

Yoga May Benefit Multiple Health Conditions

According to Dr. Rima, yoga can help address conditions including hypertension,

• coronary artery disease,
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),
• unexplained male factor infertility,
• primary open-angle glaucoma,
• autoimmune diseases,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• Alzheimer's disease.

• accelerated ageing,
• shorter telomeres,
• persistent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,
• a dysregulated immune system,
• high levels of stress and anxiety,
• inflammation,
• oxidative stress.

Yoga's For Oxidative Stress And Inflammation

Also read: Yoga Enriches Every Aspect of Life, From Fitness to Inner Peace, Says PM Modi

Dr. Rima said evidence-based studies conducted by her team have shown that yoga addresses these underlying factors.

According to the findings, yoga reduces oxidative stress by increasing the expression of various antioxidants. It also improves mitochondrial health and reduces free radicals produced as by-products of ATP production.

The studies further showed that inflammation decreases because the expression of genes coding for anti-inflammatory factors increases, while the expression of genes that promote inflammation declines.

Yoga May Support Brain Health

The research also found that yoga increases the expression of genes involved in DNA repair. In addition, yoga promotes parasympathetic dominance, resulting in increased rest, repair, and digestion.

Dr. Rima said yoga also positively modulates the epigenome and increases the expression of factors beneficial for overall health. She noted that yoga promotes brain health, improves mental well-being, and enhances the production of factors associated with neurogenesis in key areas of the brain. These changes may help improve memory and build emotional resilience.

Gut-Brain Axis and Immune Health

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Dr. Rima said yoga has also been shown to improve gut microbial flora, helping maintain the integrity of the gut-brain axis.

According to her, this supports the secretion of factors that help maintain immune, endocrine, and mental health.

Yoga Is An Entire Lifestyle

Emphasizing that yoga extends beyond physical postures, Dr. Rima said it is an entire lifestyle that includes diet, asanas, pranayama and dhyana.

She said yoga and asanas help bring the body into proper geometry and alignment, while also improving flexibility, range of motion and neuromuscular coordination.

This alignment, she explained, enables more effective breathing. Nasal inhalation and exhalation activate certain areas of the brain that promote a state of relaxed wakefulness.

Yoga Is The Need of The Day

Dr. Rima said effective breathing increases blood flow to the brain and raises nitric oxide levels, which help improve circulation while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

"Thus, yoga is a polypill and is the need of the day," she said.

Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids and other gynecological conditions is a major but often overlooked contributor to anemia among Indian women, said Dr. Roma Sinha, Chief Gynecologist and Director of Gynecological Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, today.

Speaking at the Times Network India Health Summit 2026 at Hyderabad, Dr. Sinha highlighted how many women normalize excessive menstrual bleeding and delay seeking medical attention, often leading to severe anemia and a reduced quality of life.

Fibroids And Heavy Bleeding Behind Anemia

According to Dr. Sinha, it is not uncommon for women to visit her clinic with hemoglobin levels as low as five or six grams per deciliter.

"Most of the time, it is not nutritional anemia. Women lose so much blood during their menstrual cycles that they are unable to rebuild their hemoglobin levels," she said.

While national programs such as Anemia Mukt Bharat focus heavily on pregnant women, Dr. Sinha pointed out that anemia occurring during other stages of a woman's life often goes unnoticed.

She said many women learn from family members and friends that heavy bleeding is "normal" and simply continue to suffer without seeking treatment.

Also read: Violence Against Doctors Is A National Concern, Says IMA Dilip P. Bhanushali

Fatigue And Poor Quality Of Life

Beyond the underlying disease, Dr. Sinha emphasized the impact heavy menstrual bleeding has on women's daily lives.

"Many women think they are tired because of stress, work, or family responsibilities. But often it is low hemoglobin and iron deficiency causing that fatigue," she said.

The expert noted that a simple hemoglobin test can help diagnose anemia, yet many women continue to prioritize the health of their families over their own well-being.

Lack of Awareness

Dr. Sinha identified lack of awareness and negligence as two major reasons why women delay medical consultations.

"Heavy bleeding occurs only for a few days every month, so women tend to tolerate it and move on. Many don't realize that it is treatable and that ignoring it can lead to dangerously low hemoglobin levels," she said.

The expert stressed the need for greater public awareness and open conversations about menstrual health.

"It should not be a taboo to talk about heavy menstrual bleeding," she added.

Surgery Not The Only Treatment Option

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A common fear among women, Dr. Sinha said, is surgery. Many patients avoid consultations because they assume treatment will automatically mean a hysterectomy —the surgical removal of the uterus— after which pregnancy is impossible, the top gynecologist said. However, she clarified that surgery is not the only option available for fibroids.

"Fibroids are largely benign tumors. Women today have choices, including medical management, non-invasive treatments, myomectomy, or hysterectomy, depending on their individual needs and preferences," she said.

The expert added that modern technologies such as robotic surgery have significantly improved outcomes for women requiring treatment.

Dr. Sinha also highlighted long-term research conducted on women who underwent robotic surgery for fibroids.

"We followed patients for ten years and found that 86.3 per cent conceived and delivered successfully after surgery," she said.

The findings, she noted, should reassure younger women concerned about fertility after fibroid treatment.

Early Diagnosis

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While early detection cannot eliminate fibroids completely, Dr. Sinha said it can prevent severe anemia and improve overall quality of life. "Current treatments can control symptoms and act as bridge therapies, helping women avoid complications and delay more definitive treatment when appropriate," she explained.

'Don't Ignore Heavy Bleeding'

In her message to women, Dr. Sinha urged them to listen to their bodies and seek help when they notice abnormal menstrual bleeding.

"If you feel your periods are heavier than normal, don't ignore it. Get a simple hemoglobin test and consult a gynecologist," she said.

Dr. Sinha also called on families, particularly men, to support women in seeking care and to pay attention when they complain of persistent fatigue or excessive menstrual bleeding.

Violence against healthcare professionals is no longer just a workplace issue but a national concern that threatens the very foundation of India's healthcare system, said Dr Dilip Bhanushali, Immediate Past National President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), at the ongoing Times Network India Health Summit 2026 in Hyderabad.

Addressing a session on Building Trust in Healthcare: Addressing Violence Against Healthcare Professionals, the expert highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, calling for urgent legal reforms, stronger security measures, and a renewed effort to rebuild trust between patients and medical professionals.

Over 60% Healthcare Workers Face Violence

Drawing attention to the scale of the problem, the Dr Dilip said studies show that more than 60 per cent of healthcare workers in India have experienced some form of violence, with verbal abuse being the most common. Emergency departments continue to be among the most vulnerable areas for such incidents.

"Behind every statistic is a doctor who went home shaken, a nurse who cried silently after a night shift, or a medical student questioning their future in the profession," he said.

The growing normalization of violence against healthcare workers, he warned, is one of the most worrying aspects of the crisis.

Doctors Become Targets When Outcomes Go Wrong

Dr. Dilip noted that while doctors are often celebrated when treatments succeed, they frequently become targets when outcomes are unfavorable despite their best efforts.

"Medicine is not mathematics. Not every illness can be cured, not every complication can be predicted, and not every life can be saved," he said.

While emphasizing that accountability and transparency are essential when mistakes occur, the expert stressed that violence can never be justified. "A complication is not necessarily misconduct, and a bad outcome is not necessarily a crime," he added.

Trust Is The Oxygen of Healthcare

Also read: Childhood Obesity Is A 'Do or Die' Crisis, Experts Warn At Times Network India Health Summit 2026

Calling trust the foundation of effective healthcare delivery, Dr. Dilip said the erosion of trust between patients and doctors has serious consequences for the entire healthcare ecosystem.

"Without trust, every prescription is questioned, every diagnosis is doubted, and every conversation becomes a confrontation," he noted.

The Indian Medical Association has consistently maintained that violence against healthcare workers is not merely an attack on an individual doctor but on the healthcare system itself, he added.

Demand for Stronger Laws and Faster Justice

The IMA leader reiterated the association's long-standing demand for a comprehensive central law to protect healthcare personnel and institutions.

While acknowledging that several states have enacted legislation against violence towards healthcare workers, they argued that enforcement remains inconsistent.

The association is seeking stricter penalties, mandatory registration of cases, speedy investigations, and time-bound prosecution of offenders.

"Laws on paper alone cannot protect healthcare workers. Enforcement is equally important," Dr. Dilip said.

Hospitals Must Be Designated Safe Zones

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Beyond legislation, Dr Dilip said called for practical measures to improve safety within healthcare facilities.

Recommendations included regular security audits, adequate CCTV coverage, trained security personnel, emergency response systems, and controlled-access areas within hospitals.

"No healthcare professional should fear for their safety while caring for patients," he said.

"The future of healthcare cannot be built on fear; it must be built on trust," Dr Dilip said.

Healthcare professionals, he added, continue to serve despite long hours, emotional strain, and personal sacrifices, and deserve both protection and respect.

"Protect the healer, and you protect healing itself," Dr Dilip said.

The ongoing Times Now India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition in Hyderabad is bringing together leading voices from government, medicine, research, and the healthcare industry to discuss the future of India's healthcare system.

The summit featured renowned doctors, policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers, and healthcare innovators, with discussions spanning preventive healthcare, artificial intelligence, women's health, public health policy, and medical innovation.