How does cortisol affect the body and how can we control its ups and downs?

Cortisol is a stress hormone that works hard in your body. Learn how to reduce high cortisol levels and manage low cortisol levels.

Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, plays an important role in the body’s response to stress. It is produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys. Cortisol helps regulate many physiological processes during stress, including glucose metabolism, immune and inflammatory responses. Cortisol has many physiological functions, such as speeding up metabolism, improving sleep, improving mood, and strengthening the immune system. However, cortisol levels that are too high or too low can cause many health problems.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands in the body. It is often referred to as the body’s main stressor, but it is important for many body functions. It is produced by the adrenal gland above the kidney, along with the part of the brain that controls your emotions, motivation and fear. It provides energy, regulates metabolism, and increases alertness in response to stress. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can cause more problems over time.

What does cortisol do?

Cortisol is an important hormone that plays an important role in many functions in your body:

1. It is known for its fight or flight reaction, which promotes a special strength that will help the body respond to stress.
2. It is important for metabolic function and helps eliminate carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This also speeds up the metabolism.
3. Normal cortisol levels reduce the effect of insulin, which controls blood sugar.
4. Helps control blood pressure and maintain body fluid balance.
5. It has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, helping to balance the immune system and prevent infection by limiting inflammation, and fight infection.
6. Helps you sleep and avoid the risk of wakefulness.
7. It increases energy by causing the liver to release glucose (sugar) in times of stress.
8. It is also an important part of many hormones, including those that regulate sex and growth.

Causes High Cortisol Levels

The 5 most common causes of high cortisol levels (also known as hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome) are:

1. Stress

Chronic stress can cause the adrenal glands to secrete hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol. Chronic exposure to cortisol and other stress-related hormones can have negative effects on your body; puts you at risk for heart disease, anxiety, depression and more.

2. Pituitary gland problem

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. Pituitary disorders such as hyperpituitarism (overactive pituitary gland), benign pituitary tumors, and cancerous pituitary tumors cause the adrenal glands to produce excessive cortisol.

3. Adrenal gland tumor

The adrenal glands are located above each kidney. Adrenal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can increase cortisol levels. Even if you are hungry, you may notice symptoms such as a feeling of happiness in your stomach.

4. Medication side effects

Long-term use of high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone can increase cortisol levels.

5. Cushing’s Syndrome

This condition may be caused by excessive secretion of cortisol from the adrenal gland (Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome) or excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland (Cushing’s syndrome).

Symptoms of high cortisol levels

High cortisol can cause many symptoms. But these only depend on the cause of the high cortisol levels. Learn about the signs and symptoms of excess cortisol:

• Weight gain, especially in the face and abdomen.
• Acne
• Muscle weakness
• Hypertension
• Abdominal (heart) cracks (Stretch marks)
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Weak bones (osteoporosis) and fractures.
• Slow recovery
• Fatigue and irritability
• Depression and headache

Causes of Low Cortisol Levels

Low cortisol levels, known as hypocortisolism or adrenal insufficiency, can be caused by a number of conditions that affect the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Here are some reasons:

1. Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune adrenalitis (also known as autoimmune Addison’s disease), causes the body to misfire and kill healthy cells. This situation causes cortisol production to be insufficient, resulting in a decrease in cortisol.

2. Infections

Some diseases, especially those that directly affect the adrenal glands, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, can lead to adrenal dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency.

3. Brain damage

Severe head injury or trauma affects the pituitary gland, disrupting the production and regulation of cortisol by the adrenal gland.

4. Addison’s disease

Adrenal insufficiency, or Addison’s disease, may develop when your adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and other hormones. It comes in two types: primary and secondary.

5. Hypoglycemia

Severe or prolonged hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in diabetics using insulin, can reduce cortisol production and lead to adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms of low cortisol levels

Low cortisol levels can cause the following symptoms:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin

How to control cortisol?

Cortisol levels may be high or low. Both can be problematic and cause many problems.

Tips to Lower Cortisol Levels

If you have high cortisol levels, here are 9 tips to control them:

1. Do yoga – High cortisol levels can cause stress. To reduce stress, try calming your mind and body by deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
2. Exercise – Increase exercise such as walking, jogging or cycling to lower cortisol and improve overall health.
3. Eat healthy foods – Eat foods containing fruits, vegetables, and protein-free grains.
4. Avoid too much caffeine and refined sugar as they can increase cortisol.
5. Say no to alcohol and cigarettes – Alcohol and cigarettes increase cortisol levels, so cut both out.
6. Maintain sleep patterns – Insufficient sleep can increase cortisol levels, so make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
7. Reduce stress – If stress causes cortisol to rise, engage in activities that bring joy and laughter, such as dancing, playing games, watching movies.
8. Surround yourself with people you love – Spend some time with friends and family to build relationships and stay healthy.
9. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle – Whether you’re studying or working, taking a short break from work can help reduce cortisol levels associated with chronic stress.

In addition to these guidelines, you may need treatment to treat Cushing’s syndrome and manage other symptoms.

Tips to Manage Low Cortisol Levels

Cortisol deficiency can cause serious damage to your body, such as Addison’s disease or adrenal gland damage. This may require treatment, which may include hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat low cortisol levels in your body.

When should you see a doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of high or low cortisol levels. If you experience the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Hypertension
• Low consciousness
• Difficulty breathing

Your doctor can perform some simple tests to find out whether your symptoms are caused by your adrenal glands or pituitary gland.