Cortisol Levels: Functions, Effects, and 9 Tips for Balance

Cortisol Levels: Functions, Effects, and 9 Tips for Balance

Cortisol is a stress hormone that has several roles in the body. Learn about ways to minimize high cortisol levels and manage low cortisol levels.

Cortisol, commonly known as stress hormone, is an important factor in the body’s response to stress. It is generated by the adrenal glands, which are positioned above the kidneys. Cortisol regulates several physiological systems under stressful settings, including glucose metabolism, immunological function, and inflammatory responses. This isn’t it. Cortisol also has many other body roles, such as increasing metabolism, regulating the sleep cycle, encouraging mood, and strengthening the immune system. However, very high or low cortisol levels can cause a variety of health problems.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone generated by the adrenal glands in the body. It is usually known as the body’s principal stress hormone, although it is required for a variety of physical activities. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are placed on top of the kidneys and work with certain sections of the brain to regulate your mood, motivation, and fear. It supplies energy, controls metabolism, and boosts attentiveness in reaction to stress. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, you may experience issues over time.

 

What is the role of cortisol?

Cortisol is a vital hormone that plays a significant part in a variety of activities in your body, such as:

1. Known for its fight-or-flight response, it mobilizes energy reserves and aids the body’s response to stress.
2. It is necessary for metabolic processes that aid in the breakdown of carbs, lipids, and proteins. This increases metabolism as well.
3. Normal cortisol levels counteract the effects of insulin, keeping blood sugar levels under control.
4. It regulates blood pressure and keeps the body’s fluids balanced.
5. It functions as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant, balancing immunological responses to infections by reducing inflammation.

6. It can help you stay asleep and reduce the danger of waking up.
7. It increases energy by stimulating the release of glucose (sugar) from your liver during times of stress.
8. It is also an important component in various hormones, including those that regulate sexual and development processes.

Optimal cortisol levels are necessary to manage these bodily functions. Now let us understand the effect of high and low cortisol levels.

Causes of high cortisol levels

Here are five typical causes of elevated cortisol levels, often called hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome:

1. Stress

Chronic stress may cause the adrenal glands to emit adrenaline and cortisol. Long-term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can harm your health, increasing your risk of heart disease, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.

2. Pituitary gland issues

The pituitary gland is positioned near the base of the brain. Pituitary diseases such as hyperpituitarism (an overactive pituitary gland), benign pituitary tumors, and malignant pituitary tumors can cause the adrenal glands to release excessive cortisol.

 

    Watch out, high cortisol may lead to weight gain! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

3. Adrenal gland tumors

The adrenal gland is located immediately above each kidney. Adrenal gland tumors, whether benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), can raise cortisol levels. Even if you are hungry, you may have symptoms such as abdominal fullness.

4. Medication side effects

Long-term use of corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone can cause cortisol levels to rise.

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5. Cushing’s syndrome

This ailment can be caused by the adrenal glands producing too much cortisol (adrenal Cushing’s syndrome) or the pituitary gland secreting too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (Cushing’s disease).

Signs of high cortisol levels

High cortisol levels induce a variety of symptoms. However, they are primarily determined by the reason of elevated cortisol levels. Read about the frequent indications and symptoms of high cortisol levels:

• Weight gain, particularly around the face and belly.
• Acne
• Muscle weakness.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Stretch marks on the tummy.
• Extreme hair growth (hirsutism)
• Weak bones (osteoporosis) and fractures.
• Slower healing
• Severe tiredness and irritation.
• difficulty concentration and headache

 

Causes of low cortisol levels

Low cortisol levels, often known as hypocortisolism or adrenal insufficiency, can result from a variety of disorders affecting the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Here are a few common causes:

1. Autoimmune disorder

Autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune adrenalitis (also known as autoimmune Addison’s disease), cause the body to mistarget and kill healthy cells. This leads to inadequate cortisol synthesis, resulting in a cortisol reduction.

2. Infections

Certain infections, especially those that directly affect the adrenal glands, such as TB or fungal infections, can decrease their function and cause adrenal insufficiency.

3. Traumatic brain injury

Severe brain traumas or trauma can alter the pituitary gland, causing the adrenal glands to produce and regulate cortisol abnormally.

4. Addison’s disease

Adrenal insufficiency, often known as Addison’s disease, occurs when the adrenal glands fail to generate sufficient cortisol and other hormones. There are two types: primary and secondary.

5. Hypoglycemia

Severe or prolonged episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), particularly in diabetics who use insulin, can decrease cortisol production and result in adrenal insufficiency.

Dizziness might be an indication of low blood sugar in the morning. Image credit: Adobe Stock.

Low blood sugar levels can lead to low cortisol. Image credit: Adobe Stock.
signs of low cortisol levels.

Low cortisol levels can cause the following symptoms:

1. Fatigue and weakness.
2. Unintentional Weight Loss
3. Low blood pressure (hypotension).
4. Poor appetite
5. Nausea
6. Abdominal Pain
7. Hyperpigmentation, or dark areas on the skin

How to manage cortisol?

Cortisol levels can be both high and low. Both can be problematic and lead to several complications.

Tips to Reduce High Cortisol Levels

If you have high cortisol levels, use these nine strategies to control them:

1. Practice yoga: Excess cortisol can induce stress. To alleviate stress, try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to relax your mind and body.
2. Exercise: Walk, jog, or cycle to lower cortisol levels and improve general well-being.
3. Eat a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
4. Avoid specific foods: Excessive coffee and processed sweets can cause cortisol increases.
5. Avoid drinking and smoking: Both can raise cortisol levels, so stop using them.

6. Regulate your sleep pattern: A poor sleep cycle might result in elevated cortisol levels, so make sure you sleep for at least 7-8 hours every night.
7. Reduce stress: If stress is generating high cortisol levels, participate in activities that make you happy and laugh, such as dancing, playing games, or watching movies.
8. Surround yourself with loved ones: Spend time with friends and family to foster good connections and maintain happiness.
9. Avoid sedentary lifestyles: Whether you’re studying or working, taking brief breaks between tasks will assist decrease cortisol levels caused by extended stress.

Aside from these suggestions, you should seek medical assistance to treat Cushing’s syndrome and manage additional symptoms.

Tips for managing low cortisol levels.

Cortisol shortage can have serious consequences for your health, including Addison’s disease and adrenal gland damage. This may need medical treatment, including hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor may also recommend medication to address your low cortisol levels.

 

Doctors can help you control the symptoms of cortisol imbalance. Image credit of Freepik

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms that indicate high or low cortisol levels, see a doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following symptoms:

1. Abdominal Pain
2. Dizziness or lightheadedness.
3. Low blood pressure.
4. Decreased consciousness
5. difficulty breathing

Your doctor can do a few basic tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by your adrenal or pituitary glands.

Also Read: Cortisol: What It Is, Function, Symptoms & Levels