#cortisol levels

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भारत भीषण गर्मी का सामना कर रहा है. के अनुसार स्वास्थ्य और जलवायु परिवर्तन पर लैंसेट काउंटडाउनभारत में लोगों ने 2024 में औसतन 19.8 दिन हीटवेव का अनुभव किया। ये चरम स्थितियाँ न केवल लोगों के लिए बाहर निकलना असहनीय बनाती हैं, बल्कि वे हमारे स्वास्थ्य, यहां तक ​​कि हमारे हार्मोनों पर भी प्रभाव डालती हैं। अत्यधिक गर्मी के संपर्क में आने पर, हाइपोथैलेमस, एक तापमान-संवेदनशील नियामक जो कई हार्मोनल…

Cortisol, that potent little hormone, often gets branded as public enemy number one in the realm of stress and health. But the reality is, cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating everything from metabolism and immune function to memory formation and motivation. It's only when cortisol gets out of whack that the troubles begin.

Having chronically elevated cortisol can leave you feeling perpetually frazzled, struggling with insomnia, stubborn belly fat, anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system. On the flip side, too little cortisol leads to issues like brain fog, fatigue, low blood pressure, and difficulty handling stress. Yeah...not a fun place to be either!

That's why it's so important to keep cortisol within a healthy, balanced range through lifestyle factors like stress management, quality sleep, nutrition, and potentially supplements. Speaking of which, you may be wondering - what supplements lower cortisol?

Adaptogenic botanicals like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi mushrooms are getting lots of buzz for their ability to help the body cope with stress and modulate cortisol. Nutrients involved in cortisol synthesis such as vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s may also help normalize levels when they're out of range. Phosphatidylserine and glycyrrhizin from licorice root show some promising research too.

Of course, before starting any new supplement routine, it's wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take any medications or have health conditions. And be a savvy supplement consumer by looking at third-party testing and reasonable dosages.

In an ideal world, mindfully managing your cortisol through conscious relaxation practices, quality sleep, an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, and potentially judicious supplementation under medical guidance can help you achieve that oh-so-desirable hormone homeostasis. Your energy levels, mood, and overall health will be better for it!

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.