Cortisol is a hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and is sometimes referred to as the "stress hormone," states Dr. James Wilson in an online article for AdrenalFatigue.org. Wilson adds that cortisol is essential for life because it influences and regulates changes that occur in the body due to stress. The adrenal glands secrete more cortisol in response to stress, and due to the high-stress nature of our current culture, Wilson says that the cortisol level is often not able to return to the normal level. This can result in health problems occurring from too much cortisol circulating throughout the body or from low levels of cortisol due to fatigued adrenal glands.
Role of Cortisol
In addition to regulating stress, cortisol plays many roles within the body. Cortisol aids in the body's immune function and anti-inflammatory process and helps to maintain blood pressure, according to the Better Health Channel website. Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels by converting protein to glucose when blood sugar levels get too low. Wilson emphasizes the importance of cortisol in maintaining homeostasis, or a level of balance, in the body during stressful events.
High Levels of Cortisol
High levels of cortisol resulting from too much cortisol circulating in the blood, which is usually caused by chronic stress, can contribute to many health problems and risks. One of the health concerns listed by Wilson occurring with high levels of cortisol is increased abdominal fat, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, higher levels of the "bad" LDL cholesterol and lower levels of the "good" HDL cholesterol. According to Wilson, high levels of cortisol can also lead to impaired cognitive performance, decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass and lowered immune function.
Chronic Low Levels of Cortisol
When the adrenal glands become fatigued, they may produce lower amounts of cortisol, resulting in a chronic low level of cortisol in the blood. Low levels of cortisol can result in chronic fatigue and can also lead to a disease of the endocrine system known as Addison's disease. Wilson adds that low levels of cortisol may also lead to reduced thyroid function, mild depression, inflammation and lowered immune function.
