Cortisol is a trending topic in the health and wellness circles. With so much buzz about it on social media, it has become easy to associate this stress-related hormone with negative connotations. Yet cortisol is critical to our well-being. Keep reading to learn more about cortisol.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of each kidney.
Functions of Cortisol:
Stress Response: Cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it is released in response to stressors, whether physical (like injury or illness) or psychological (like fear or anxiety). It helps the body to mobilize energy stores, regulate blood sugar levels, and modulate immune responses during stressful situations.
Metabolism Regulation: Cortisol plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids) in the liver.
Inflammation Control: Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to suppress the immune system's inflammatory response. This is beneficial in short-term situations, such as reducing inflammation after an injury or infection.
Regulation of Blood Pressure: Cortisol helps to regulate blood pressure by enhancing the action of vasoconstrictors (substances that narrow blood vessels) and by increasing blood volume.
Circadian Rhythm:
Cortisol levels in the body typically follow a diurnal (daily) rhythm, with peak levels occurring in the early morning to help wake you up and get ready for the day. Throughout the day, cortisol levels gradually decline, reaching their lowest point late at night when you're sleeping.
Imbalance:
Excessively high or low levels of cortisol can have significant health implications. Chronic stress, certain medical conditions, or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (which are synthetic versions of cortisol) can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may contribute to conditions like obesity, hypertension, and immune system suppression. Conversely, conditions like Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) can result in abnormally low levels of cortisol, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
In summary, cortisol is a vital hormone involved in numerous physiological processes, particularly in response to stress, metabolism, inflammation, and maintaining overall health and well-being. When cortisol levels are thrown out of balance, the whole body suffers. If you are concerned about your cortisol levels, you can contact us here to make an appointment.
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