Cortisol is a very important hormone and its balanced secretion is very important for normal body functioning. It controls several important functions including metabolic rate, blood sugar level, and blood pressure.
Commonly, it is known as the ‘Stress Hormone’ due to its release during stress. Understanding what it is, what it does and how its abnormal concentration can affect your body can help you to maintain a balance of hormones secretion.
WHAT IS CORTISOL?
It is one of the very important steroid hormones belonging to glucocorticoids. Adrenal glands produce this hormone in the cortex and it is then secreted into the bloodstream. Through the blood, it is then supplied to all parts of the body. Its secretion is controlled by the adrenal gland, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. This inter-communicating pathway is termed as Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Our body has several cortisol receptors and numerous cells contain them. Thus, this hormone performs different functions depending on which receptor cells are receiving it. Its functions include assisting the memory formation, maintaining the salt and water balance, reducing inflammation, increasing glucose metabolism etc. In addition to all these functions, it also assists in the healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy and aid women in childbirth. Thus, it is a highly significant hormone that our body requires for better health and normal functioning. Not only its presence is important, its quantity is also a matter of concern. Both its over-secretion and underproduction can be damaging to your health.
HOW CAN A HIGH LEVEL OF CORTISOL DAMAGE YOUR BODY?
You might have heard about Cushing syndrome. It is a condition in which the level of cortisol increases in the blood due to some tumor on either the pituitary gland or adrenal gland. The high concentration of cortisol in the blood can result in a rapid gain in weight, particularly in abdomen, chest, and face. The arms and legs are usually not affected and thus it makes your body figure weird. It can also cause high blood pressure, flushed face and may also affect the skin. Besides, some other symptoms include reduced sex drive, mood swings, muscle weakness, increased frequency of urination, enhanced thirst and osteoporosis. Additionally, depression and anxiety can also result in case of high level of cortisol. Lastly, a high concentration of cortisol can also disturb women’s menstrual cycle.
HOW CAN THE LOW LEVEL OF CORTISOL AFFECT YOUR BODY?
Not only the high amount of this hormone can be harmful, its reduced amount can also affect the body in various ways.Lower secretion of cortisol can be due to the Addison’s Disease. It is an autoimmune disease which is very rare. It damages the efficiency of adrenal glands. Its symptoms usually start occurring slowly but they can cause some serious damage. It can result in weight loss and skin changes. Moreover, its deficiency can lead to muscle loss, mood swings, dizziness, and fatigue.If your adrenal gland is not working properly and there is insufficient cortisol in your blood, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He may prescribe some corticosteroids.
These are a very helpful alternative for the cortisol. You can consider them the synthesized cortisol.These are very effective in treating various symptoms including the skin condition, Addison disease, and some inflammatory conditions.
If you need personal guidance and support, drop me a message and let's work on this together — book a free 20-minute discovery call.