Cortisol - a stress hormone or a compound necessary for the proper functioning of the body?

Cortisol - what is it?

Cortisol is an organic chemical compound, a glucocorticosteroid hormone, which is popularly referred to as the "stress hormone". It is produced by the strand layer of the adrenal cortex, a small organ that is located directly behind the kidneys.

The production of cortisol is responsible for the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

When cortisol levels decrease, the hypothalamus releases a hormone that is responsible for the release of corticotropin (CRH). This stimulates the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which regulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. An increased amount of the hormone is secreted in stressful situations.

In the blood, cortisol can most often be associated with plasma proteins, such as transcortin or albumin. A small part of the hormone can occur in the active, that is, free form. It is also worth being aware that the secretion of cortisol may be pulsed and depend on the action of ACTH. The highest concentration of cortisol can be observed in the blood in the morning, while the lowest - around midnight.

Cortisol participates in many reactions that are crucial for the proper functioning of the body. Abnormal levels of the hormone may contribute to the occurrence of numerous conditions.

What functions does cortisol have in the human body?

Cortisol has many important functions in the human body.

The hormone can regulate and activate the transcription of certain genes, and moreover, it can stabilize biological membranes in cells. In addition, the compound can participate in the metabolic processes of glucose, proteins and fats. One of the main tasks of cortisol is the regulation of blood glucose, because under the influence of the hormone may lead to increased release of glucose into the bloodstream and cover the increased demand of the body for energy.

In addition, cortisol can affect the regulation of blood pressure. The hormone can also support the immune system and relieve inflammation. The organic compound can also stimulate the secretion of pepsin in the stomach and manifest the ability to retain sodium in the body.

Cortisol can also accelerate the frequency of heart contractions and enhance the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Why is cortisol called a stress hormone?

During severe stress, which can be associated with both a stressful situation and excessive physical effort, there may be an increase in cortisol in the blood. An increase in hormone levels can in turn lead to an increase in blood glucose. Thus, the body receives more energy, which can affect the mobilization of the body to act.

Who and when should take a blood cortisol test?

Blood cortisol testing can be performed when diagnosing disorders of its secretion. There are two groups of diseases:

Primary cortisol secretion disorders - may be caused by adrenal disorders such as cancer, adrenal insufficiency or their hypertrophy.
Secondary cortisol secretion disorders - may be associated with irregularities in the processes that regulate the endocrine balance of the adrenal glands, among others, pituitary or hypothalamic tumors, mechanical damage to the pituitary gland or diseases which may affect ACTH levels.

In addition, the measurement of cortisol in the blood can be performed if there are symptoms that indicate too low or too high levels of the hormone.

Often, cortisol testing is also performed among patients who are suspected of Cushing's syndrome, as well as among people with adrenal diseases or impaired synthesis of other glucocorticosteroid hormones.

Norms of cortisol in the body

The normal level of cortisol in the blood serum depends on the time of day, which must be taken into account when performing blood tests.

In the morning, the result should oscillate within 166-507 nmol/l, while in the evening the correct value is in the range of 73.8-291 nmol/l.

However, a full interpretation of the results also requires consideration of other factors, such as ACTH levels, medication intake or cortisol levels in previous tests.

It is better to leave a thorough analysis of the tests to a doctor who, after a comprehensive assessment of the results, will plan further, appropriate proceedings.

High levels of cortisol

High levels of cortisol can be manifested, among others.:

increased frequency of urination,
mood disorders,
problems with falling asleep or insomnia,
increased blood glucose levels,
excessive appetite and thirst.

Too high levels of cortisol in the blood can be caused by:

Cushing's syndrome,
adrenal hyperplasia,
chronic stress,
hyperthyroidism,
hypothalamic hyperactivity,
severe infection,
increased physical effort.

High levels of cortisol in the blood serum can also be found when using certain medications, such as hormonal drugs.

Excess cortisol and weight gain

One of the symptoms of excess cortisol in the blood can be an increase in fat mass, especially around the trunk, face and neck.

Excess body weight associated with an increase in the level of cortisol in the blood can also be associated with the body's defense system - as a result of long-term stress, the body begins to store fat, which may be needed to produce energy in the future.

How to lower cortisol levels in the blood?

Lowering cortisol levels in the body can be extremely important for maintaining human health. It is worth remembering that high levels of the hormone in the blood are often the result of excessive stress. Therefore, a good solution that can lower the level of cortisol in the blood is to reduce the level of stress. How do we do that?

Avoid stressful situations - this is not always possible, but try to limit the situations that stress you in everyday life. This can positively affect both your well-being and your health.
Get enough sleep - a well-rested person looks at the world differently. In addition, during sleep, the body has time to regenerate and absorb new information, which is why, what may seem extremely stressful in the evening does not have to be so in the morning.
Practice physical activity - an increase in cortisol levels may be due to excessive physical activity. On the other hand, moderate exercise, can trigger endorphins and serotonin, the happiness hormones. In addition, non-burdening training can allow you to collect thoughts and views optimistically on the situation that has stressed you so far.
Meditate - breathing calms down during meditation, and blood pressure can also be lowered. Meditation can help you relax your body as well as your head. A moment of silence may also contribute to lowering cortisol levels.
Spend time outdoors - sun rays allow you to produce vitamin D, and walks in the woods or meadows can also positively affect your well-being. Focusing on nature, you will forget about problems, relax and oxygenate the cells.
Use herbs and supplements - in the case of long-term stress, it is worth using herbs and dietary supplements rich in compounds such as ginseng or licorice root. Substances can soothe your jagged nerves and help you regain balance.

In the case of more serious diseases, where the cause of excess cortisol is not only stress, but also various diseases, it is worth consulting a doctor who will choose the right drugs and further treatment.

Low cortisol levels

Reduced cortisol levels may result, among others, from:

the occurrence of Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency,
congenital adrenal hyperplasia,
insufficiency hypothalamic,
insufficiency pituitary gland.

Symptoms of too low a hormone level can include, for example.:

weakness,
bad mood,
chronic fatigue,
hypoglycemia,
loss of appetite,
weight reduction,
digestive condition such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Cortisol - friend or enemy?

It turns out that cortisol, which is called the stress hormone, is not as bad as it may seem.

Its presence in the body is necessary for the proper functioning of the body system, as well as for the mobilization of defensive reactions.

Adverse to human health can be both an excess and a deficiency of the hormone. Therefore, it is worth taking care of eliminating stressful situations from everyday life, but you should not treat cortisol as an enemy, because in some situations the hormone may be your ally.

Bibliography:

Natalia Goździak

Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.

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