The human body has a precise mechanism for survival in order to react to pressures and environmental changes. This mechanism is not visible most of the time, but it directly affects our daily energy, mental concentration, quality of sleep and even our decisions. One of the most important components of this system is the hormone cortisol, which has the task of keeping the body ready in sensitive situations. In its natural state, this hormone plays an important role in regulating the body’s response to stress, controlling blood sugar and maintaining the balance of organ function. This is why it is important to know the answer to the question of what cortisol is.
When the level of the hormone cortisol remains high for a long time, the body goes out of adaptation and symptoms appear that are often confused with fatigue and lifestyle pressures. This is where accurate knowledge of cortisol and its effects becomes important. In this article from Digikala Mag, we are going to discuss the role of cortisol hormone in the body and everything you need to know about it. So stay with us.
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What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone that the human body naturally produces from the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. Most people call this hormone the “stress hormone”, not knowing that its role goes beyond coping with stress and affects almost the entire body. Cortisol makes you have the energy you need for daily activities and coping with difficult situations when you are under pressure or stress. After you’ve been through a stressful situation, cortisol helps the body return to its normal, balanced state.
The human body controls the level of cortisol with a precise system. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain measure the amount of this hormone in the blood and if it is too low or high, they send signals to the adrenal glands to produce the right amount. Cells also have receptors that receive and use cortisol to meet the body’s daily needs. Ideally, this system allows the body to adapt to any challenge. This hormone also plays a role in several important functions that you are about to learn about.
Blood pressure regulation
Cortisol hormone helps the body to keep blood pressure at a suitable level. When the level of this hormone is normal, the heart and blood vessels work well and the blood flow to all organs and tissues is balanced. If cortisol levels are high for a long time, the body develops high blood pressure, which can cause fatigue, headaches, increased risk of heart problems, and damage to blood vessels. On the other hand, if the cortisol level is too low, the blood pressure will decrease and you may feel weak, dizzy or lack of energy.
Regulation of energy metabolism
Cortisol plays an important role in the body’s energy management. When you eat, this hormone tells your body how to use sugar, fat, and protein for energy. In addition, normal cortisol levels help the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels, so that both the brain and body have the energy needed for daily activities, mental focus, and even exercise. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, you may feel tired, weak, or weak, even if you’re not eating enough.
Control inflammation and the immune system
Another main function of the cortisol hormone in the body is to control inflammation and the functioning of the immune system. When the level of this hormone is normal, the body can better deal with injuries, infections and diseases and keep inflammatory reactions limited. This means that cortisol helps the body’s excessive inflammation not cause damage and the immune system works more precisely. But if the cortisol level stays high for a long time, the body gets used to it and will no longer be able to protect itself. In this case, the immune system is weak and the body becomes vulnerable to infections.
Sleep and wake cycle control
During the day and night, the human body recognizes the right time to wake up, work and rest with the help of the cortisol hormone. Usually, the cortisol level rises in the morning so that you have the necessary energy to wake up, focus your mind and start daily activities. This is what makes you feel alert when you wake up in the morning. At night, the cortisol level gradually decreases so that the body can fall asleep more easily and have a deep and quality sleep. When this natural cycle of cortisol is disturbed, a person faces problems such as insomnia, frequent awakenings during the night, unproductive sleep or feeling tired and bored during the day.
Help to cope with stress
When the body is under pressure or stress, cortisol along with hormones such as adrenaline very quickly gives the body enough energy to deal with emergency situations. At the same time, some unnecessary functions of the body such as digestion, reproduction or growth are temporarily reduced so that all the energy and focus of the body is on the difficult situation in which you are placed. After the stressful situation is over, cortisol helps the body to return to a normal and balanced state and resume its activities.
Symptoms of high cortisol
When the cortisol level in the body is high for a long time, which is also called Cushing’s syndrome, a person will face a series of special problems. But what are the symptoms of high cortisol? Let’s get to know them.
- Weight gain: especially in the face, abdomen and trunk; Even if your diet hasn’t changed.
- Accumulation of fat between the shoulders: Some people notice a small lump of fat between the shoulders or on the back of the neck.
- Wide and purple stretching lines on the abdomen: These lines look like stretch marks and usually appear on the abdomen, thighs or chest.
- Easy bruising: The skin becomes thinner and the veins more fragile, so even a small bump can cause a bruise.
- Facial redness: Increased blood flow and the effect of cortisol on the veins can cause reddening of the face.
- Mood changes: High cortisol can alter mood and make you more irritable or irritable.
- Skin acne: High levels of cortisol can increase skin oil production and cause breakouts and acne.
- Muscle weakness: Weakening of upper arm and thigh muscles is a symptom of increased cortisol; So that you will no longer be able to do daily tasks.
- Severe fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy is one of the most common symptoms of high cortisol.
- Difficulty concentrating: Mental concentration decreases and it becomes more difficult to do intellectual tasks.
- headache: Due to the effect of cortisol on blood pressure and brain vessels, headaches are common.
- High blood sugar: Cortisol can raise blood sugar and lead to type 2 diabetes over time.
- high blood pressure: High level of cortisol increases blood pressure.
- Excessive hair growth in women (hirsutism): Excess hair may grow on the face, chest or back of the body.
- Weakness and fragility of bones (osteoporosis): Bones become weak and the possibility of fracture will increase.
These symptoms can appear gradually and sometimes you may confuse them with other problems. Therefore, if you have several of these symptoms, you should definitely consult a specialist doctor.
What is the symptom of high cortisol?
Now that you know what cortisol is and what its symptoms are, it’s time to understand that the human body has an intelligent system to regulate cortisol levels. When this hormone is low in the body, the brain orders the release of a hormone called CRH. This hormone activates the pituitary gland to make ACTH and signals the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. In this way, the body can keep the level of this important hormone in balance. But sometimes, various reasons cause the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol.
Cortisol hormone and chronic stress
Stress causes the body to go on alert. In this state, the heart rate increases, the body’s energy increases, and everything is prepared to deal with possible danger. Under normal circumstances, when the danger is gone, cortisol levels return to normal. But if a person is always under pressure and stress, this reaction never turns off and cortisol stays high for a long time. In this situation, almost all body functions are affected and the risk of serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke increases.
Problems related to the pituitary gland
Located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland acts as a master controller for the body’s hormones. Some problems, such as small or large tumors, can cause this gland to produce hormones such as ACTH more or less than normal. When the level of ACTH increases, the adrenal glands release more cortisol and its level in the body rises.
Kidney tumors
The adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney, sometimes develop tumors. These tumors can be benign or malignant: But they usually cause the body’s cortisol level to rise too high. When the tumor is large, there may be a feeling of pain, pressure or heaviness in the abdomen or back. Some people may notice physical changes such as sudden weight gain, extra hair growth, or purple lines on the abdomen, all of which can be signs of high cortisol. Fortunately, most adrenal tumors are benign and cancer is very rare.
Taking some medications
Some medications, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, can increase cortisol levels in the body. These drugs are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation, treat autoimmune diseases or respiratory problems. If these drugs are used for a long time or in high doses, the adrenal glands get used to producing natural cortisol and the level of this hormone in the body becomes more than necessary. On the other hand, sudden cessation of steroid drugs can cause adrenal gland failure; This means that the body suddenly cannot produce enough cortisol and serious problems such as extreme weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure or even shock occur. Therefore, you should not stop using them simply by taking zinc supplements.
The relationship between cortisol and stress
As we said a little earlier, cortisol is one of the hormones that the body releases during stress to keep a person on alert. In the short term, this hormone is beneficial and helps the body to have the necessary energy and focus. But when stress becomes long-term, cortisol levels remain high, and this issue can gradually cause sleep disturbances, weight gain, constant fatigue, and pressure on various body systems.
Treatment of high cortisol
Knowing all this, we all want to answer the question of how to reduce cortisol. It is not possible to treat high cortisol with only one fixed and the same solution, because the cause of the rise of this hormone can be different. For this reason, the first step in treatment is to identify the underlying cause of elevated cortisol. In many cases, cortisol levels can be largely controlled by making lifestyle changes, managing stress, and taking care of the body. Along with these methods, sometimes the use of herbal supplements or hormonal drugs, of course, under the supervision of a specialist doctor, helps to regulate cortisol better.
Reducing cortisol levels with herbal supplements
The first thought that comes to many people’s minds is to reduce cortisol levels naturally. Some herbal supplements can help regulate the body’s response to stress and, as a result, indirectly reduce cortisol levels. These supplements usually work by affecting the nervous system, improving sleep quality, or reducing everyday stress, not by directly suppressing the hormone cortisol. The important point is that herbal supplements are not a definitive cure for cortisol and are most effective when used alongside lifestyle modification, adequate sleep, and stress management. Also, people’s body responses to these compounds are different, and their consumption should be done with the right dose and within a specific time frame.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the well-known herbs in traditional medicine that is known as an “adaptogen”; It means a plant that helps the body in managing stress and reacting to everyday pressures. Studies have shown that regular consumption of this herb may help reduce feelings of anxiety, improve sleep quality, and regulate the body’s response to stress, which can ultimately lower cortisol levels. Ashwagandha is the best herbal medicine for regulating female hormones.
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Rhodiola
Rhodiola is also one of the adaptogenic plants and is used in supplements to reduce stress and fatigue. This herb is especially useful for people who have both mental fatigue and constant stressful pressures, as it helps the body cope better with stress and get closer to relaxation. In many supplements, rhodiola is combined with ashwagandha for a more balanced effect. Therefore, when buying food or herbal supplements, be aware of these two compounds.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is a compound found naturally in green tea and is available in supplement form at pharmacies and supplement stores. This substance helps to calm the mind without causing drowsiness and can improve the body’s response to stress. As mentioned in reliable sources, L-theanine can affect cortisol levels and reduce nervous tension.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that plays an important role in regulating hormone function, reducing inflammation, and controlling the body’s response to stress. Studies show that regular consumption of omega-3 supplements can balance the excessive activity of the stress axis, i.e. the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, thereby reducing cortisol secretion in chronic stress conditions.
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Cortisol hormone regulator
Medicines that affect cortisol usually either reduce the secretion of this hormone or eliminate its effect. These drugs are prescribed only if there is an underlying disease and with a doctor’s prescription. All types of cortisol-lowering pills are used to treat conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or hormone-producing tumors and should not be taken arbitrarily. Some of these drugs include:
- Ketoconazole(Ketoconazole): Ketoconazole is basically an antifungal drug, but in certain doses it can reduce the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Doctors use it to control high cortisol in diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome. The use of this drug must be strictly under the supervision of a doctor, because it may affect the liver. Therefore, knowing what cortisol is cannot be a reason to use this drug on your own.
- Metyrapone (Metyrapone): Metyrapone directly inhibits the enzymes that make cortisol. This drug is mostly used in patients who have high cortisol due to adrenal gland disorders or hormonal problems. The exact dosage and timing are very important and should always be adjusted by the doctor.
- can youMitotane): Metotane is a strong drug that is prescribed in severe cases such as adrenal gland cancer. This drug reduces the production of cortisol and its effects, but its side effects can be high. Therefore, it is used only in the hospital or under the strict supervision of a doctor.
- Mifepristone (Mifepristone) : Mifepristone is a drug that reduces the effect of cortisol in the body, rather than inhibiting its production. By blocking cortisol receptors, this drug prevents the effect of this hormone on tissues and helps control the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome or similar conditions. Its use should be under the supervision of a doctor, because accurate dosage, regular monitoring and attention to side effects are very important.
Source: Cleveland, WebMD
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