There are rare instances where an ongoing and extremely high cortisol level can cause abnormal fat distribution and swelling that affects your face shape. The condition is commonly referred to as "moon face." The medical term is moon facies.
The health conditions and situations that can cause moon face include:
Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism), which is a rare hormonal disorder that causes swelling in the upper body along with severe fatigue and muscle weakness, elevated blood pressure and high blood sugar
Increased release of cortisol by certain tumors, such as those of the lung, pancreas and adrenal glands
Prolonged use of corticosteroids, drugs that mimic natural cortisol and are used to calm inflammation and manage an overactive immune system
How everyday stress can affect your body
While everyday stressors may not cause moon face or cortisol face, they can impact your body and your health in the short and long term.
