Long-term cortisol elevation may raise the risk of hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and other chronic disorders. Putting on weight Cortisol has been shown to enhance hunger and tell the body to shift metabolism to fat storage. Insomnia or trouble sleeping Elevated levels of cortisol have been linked to anxiety or depression. Cortisol is a hormone that controls many things about your body, such as how well you fight infections fever, stress, and pain. Too much of it can be harmful. For example, high levels of cortisol have been linked to hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. The most common cause of elevated cortisol is stress. If you are constantly under stress, your body will produce more cortisol to help you cope. Long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to health problems. Stress can also come in forms such as poor sleep habits hostility, alcohol abuse, or drug addiction. When you experience frequent stress, your body's response to this stress is usually to produce more cortisol. This positive feedback loop can create a problem if you are constantly experiencing stress. Too much cortisol in your body can have several negative effects. Here are three: stress, anxiety, and insomnia. If you are struggling with stress, consider getting some help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can offer advice on ways to improve your coping skills and treat any underlying issues that may be causing your stressors.