Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps in regulating the human body’s stress response. Which is why it is also sometimes called a “stress hormone”. Cortisol also affects several other aspects of the human body and is produced and released by two adrenal glands that sit on the top of each kidney.  Apart from regulating the body's stress response, cortisol also plays a significant role in metabolism to increase the production of blood sugar. The role of cortisol is to also help convert body fat, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy that can be used effectively as a part of the human body’s fight-or-flight response during stressful situations.

Now, in this piece, we will be discussing more in detail about cortisol, its functions in the human body, and how its levels can affect your health.

What is Cortisol And What Does it Do to a Human Body?

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in your body. It is found in both men and women and its function is to suppress inflammation in your tissues, skin, muscles, and organs. As a glucocorticoid hormone, it also controls metabolism in your body and affects your sleep and wake cycles. As an important part of your endocrine system, cortisol affects almost every part of your body in its functioning. Here’s a look at the most common functions of cortisol in your body.

• Cortisol helps in the regulation of blood pressure
• It helps in the management of blood sugar levels
• It controls the sleep-wake cycle of your body otherwise known as the circadian rhythm
• Cortisol helps in the regulating of your body’s stress response
• It helps suppress inflammation in tissues, skin, organs, and muscles
• Lastly, cortisol helps manage metabolism in your body and how it synthesizes fats and carbohydrates

Cortisol: Stress Hormone

So why is cortisol known as the stress hormone? Cortisol is directly related to your body’s stress response system. It is known as the stress hormone because it is released by the adrenal glands any time your body faces any type of stress. To be precise, there are three types of stress namely that cause the release of cortisol in your body most commonly. Let’s review these three types of stress and their effects on your health.

Traumatic Stress: Traumatic stress refers to any stress that’s triggered by any traumatic event in your life. From losing somebody to a personal tragedy, the trigger of traumatic stress can differ for everyone. If left untreated, traumatic stress can surface as mental health conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You must seek help for this type of stress and opt for medical treatment, if required as it can lead to significant health problems, if left untreated.

Acute Stress: Acute stress is a condition where you are put under a lot of stress in a very short period. The levels of acute stress can differ from person to person. Situations that qualify for contributing to acute stress include being chased by animals or having a near-death experience. It is important to note that while acute stress can cause a spike in cortisol levels in your body. The levels, however, gradually return back to normal over time, if the trigger of stress is not present anymore.

Chronic Stress: Chronic stress refers to any type of stress that persists for a long period and causes a consistent spike of cortisol in your body leading to health problems across the board. Situations like problems in your life, work, and chronic illnesses can lead to chronic stress, which is one of the most harmful types of stress for your health.

Effects of High Cortisol Levels

If your body has high levels of cortisol it indicates that your body is set in a fight or flight mode, which reduces your metabolism levels. Apart from that, high levels of cortisol in your body can cause long-term damage to your health. High levels of cortisol can also be indicative of conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Here are some of the most common symptoms of high levels of cortisol in your body.

Symptoms of High Cortisol Levels

• Sudden weight gain in your abdomen and face
• Symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension
• Uncontrolled levels of blood sugar, which may lead to type 2 diabetes
• Symptoms of osteoporosis
• Weakness in the muscles of your thighs and upper arms
• Fatty deposits in between your shoulder blades

Effects of Low Cortisol Levels

Lower than normal levels of cortisol in your body can be indicative of autoimmune conditions. Most commonly Addison’s disease is attributed to causing low levels of cortisol. Another condition that’s closely related to causing low cortisol levels is hypopituitarism. Let’s review some of the most common symptoms of low cortisol levels.

Symptoms of Low Cortisol Levels

• Loss of appetite and inability to eat
• Low blood pressure
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Unexplained weight loss

Conclusion

Now that you know about the role of cortisol in your body’s stress response, be sure to keep yourself safe from the harmful effects of stress. You can check out MASSH’s website for more information on the effects of stress on your health and how to manage chronic stress levels. You can also visit us and consult the top endocrinologist in Delhi at our premises. We offer personalized healthcare services for patients with endocrinological problems.