Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a primary glucocorticoid, produced in the adrenal gland in the brain, according to Thinkmuscle.com. Neurotransmitter.net states that every disturbance on the body induces a stress response that results in the release of glucocorticoids, which benefit the body in many ways. As stated in a report on RCN.com, glucocorticoids, especially cortisol, reduce the inflammatory destruction of arthritis, preventing the destruction of transplanted organs and helping control asthma. Cortisol also facilitates in the conversion of protein into glucose and glycogen, a long chain of glucose units. However, low and high cortisol levels can also pose harmful effects.
Cushing's disease
Colorado State University describes Cushing’s disease as the most prevalent effect of high cortisol levels in humans and animals. High levels of cortisol occur either due to increased secretion of the hormone by the brain, or from its administration for therapeutic purposes, such as in treating asthma. The university also reports that Cushing’s disease has extensive effects on organ function and metabolism. Some conditions that accompany Cushing’s disease include diabetes, muscle wasting, hypertension and obesity. Patients can also develop purple lines on the skin of the abdomen, arms and legs. Increased facial hair growth occurs in women, and the skin gets fragile and weak.
Addison's Disease
Low cortisol levels can lead to Addison’s disease, which commonly results from infections, according to Colorado State University. These infections cause damage to the adrenal glands, which produce the hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Conditions such as diarrhea, weakness, and cardiovascular disease present alongside Addison’s disease.
Memory Loss
Too much cortisol can prevent the brain from creating new memory or accessing existing memory, according to the Franklin Institute, which also has established that prolonged stress that stimulates the production of cortisol can damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning. Stress hormones such as cortisol direct glucose to the muscles, for energy, during stress. This results in cortisol supply to the hippocampus decreasing, and leads to the inefficiency of the hippocampus to create new memory and to access existing memory.
