A puffy face, often referred to as ‘cortisol face,’ can be a telltale sign of elevated cortisol levels, the stress hormone. While occasional cortisol spikes are normal, consistently high levels can indicate a serious health issue, such as Cushing’s syndrome. High cortisol can lead to weight gain, particularly in the face and abdomen, as well as other symptoms like high blood pressure, acne, and mood swings. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and management of high cortisol levels and how to lower your stress for better health.