Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the body by the adrenal cortex. Blood cortisol levels are often checked to evaluate the function of the adrenal and pituitary glands. Fluctuation in cortisol levels can indicate diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. The functions of cortisol in the human body include regulating bone formation, maintenance of the circulatory system, immune system support, aiding in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein as well as regulating responses to stress.
Metabolism Effects
When we are in a state of fasting or malnutrition, cortisol does several things to control blood glucose levels. It breaks down fatty tissue into sugars for energy and it slows down the uptake of circulating glucose into tissues like muscle. Cortisol also assists the liver the produce glucose. These functions allow a woman's body to cope with physically stressful situations such as running a marathon or fasting for three days.
Effects on Inflammation and Immunity
Cortisol is available in pharmacological form as hydrocortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory for skin disorders such as dermatitis, eczema and poison ivy. Cortisol is also a component or oral anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat conditions like arthritis. Because cortisol suppresses the immune system, it can be helpful in treating autoimmune disorders. It plays an important role in the regulation of the normal immune and inflammatory responses.
Cushing's Syndrome
This syndrome is caused by over-production of cortisol in the body for a variety of reasons such as tumors or an overactive pituitary gland. It can also be caused by ingestion of high amounts of corticosteroids such as prednisone for therapeutic treatment of asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of this syndrome in women include excessive hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs and interruption in menstrual periods. Upper body obesity and a round red face are also common.
