Cortisol is a hormone that helps maintain homeostasis in the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, cortisol is released from the adrenal gland and is instrumental in regulating the circulatory, immune and nervous systems, stress response and the body's use of nutrients. Disorders and increased risk for disease are associated with excessive or diminished levels of cortisol.
Function
Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune function and the nervous system. It is also instrumental in regulating sleep and waking cycles. In a normally functioning person, cortisol levels rise in the morning, triggering the body to a state of wakefulness. Cortisol levels also rise during periods of stress, preparing the body for heightened functioning, better known as the "fight or flight" response.
Cortisol Levels
Increased cortisol levels can be caused by estrogen and by synthetic steroids like prednisone, according to NIH. LabTestsOnline.com adds that pregnancy, illness. Obesity and hyperthyroidism also caused elevated cortisol levels. High cortisol levels also can be caused by tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands, and by prolonged and chronic stress. Addison's disease is often responsible for insufficient cortisol, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risks
Excess cortisol is correlated with secondary hypertension and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Symptoms of excess cortisol can include fatigue, depression, weight gain and insomnia. Jonathon Purnell, M.D., associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, found that heightened cortisol levels in menopausal women was correlated with the presence of abdominal fat, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Adrenal Fatigue
When chronic stress causes excessive cortisol production, the adrenal glands no longer produce adequate amounts of other hormones, according to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, cofounder of the Women to Women Clinic in Yarmouth, Maine. The resulting imbalance eventually leads to adrenal fatigue, a condition characterized by mood swings, disturbed sleep, impaired cognitive function and mood swings.
Treatment
If you experience symptoms of excess cortisol, consult a medical professional for diagnosis. Some causes of elevated cortisol such as tumors are life-threatening and require immediate treatment. Treatment for hypercortisolism or hypocortisolism is the use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs or synthetic cortisol, respectively. Stress-related cortisol level increases can be treated through lifestyle modification including exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and meditation.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Cortisol Level
- LabTestsOnline.org: Cortisol
- MayoClinic.com: Secondary Hypertension, Causes
- Hypertension; Cortisol Effects; Robert Fraser; June 1999
- Oregon Health and Science University: Researchers Uncover Cause, Possible Treatment for Abdominal Fat in Postmenopausal Women
