Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. It is known as a stress hormone because it normally functions to help our bodies deal with stress by converting proteins to energy, releasing glycogen which is energy stored in the muscles and liver and counteracting inflammation. In today's society, our bodies are continually under stress. In fact Women to Women reports that 85 to 90 percent of women suffer from impaired adrenal function and increased cortisol levels. Because cortisol has an effect on nearly every function in the body, a chronic high level can cause a variety of problems.
Destruction of Tissue
Cortisol as a stress hormone should be released in increased quantities only in times of stress, such as in a fight-or-flight response. However, with increased stress levels on a daily basis, cortisol levels can be detrimental. One of the main functions of cortisol is to convert proteins to energy. Eating up the proteins in the muscles destroys muscle tissue.
Glycogen is a form of glucose, or energy, which is stored in the muscles. Cortisol also functions to release glycogen, which over time leads to tissue destruction.
Impaired Functions
High levels of cortisol can impair several normal bodily functions including digestion, mental function and metabolism (the chemical processes of cells). In the fight-or-flight response, cortisol signals the body to redirect its energy away from normal functions like digestion, toward creating energy so the body can fight back in the stressful situation. A chronic high level of cortisol therefore can cause digestive problems and lead to weight gain.
Weakened Immune System
In normal levels, cortisol helps to mediate functions of the immune system by speeding tissue repair and working as an anti-inflammatory. High levels of cortisol, however, have a negative effect on the immune system. Too much cortisol causes lymphocytes, the white blood cells that provide immune functions, to decrease the rate they multiply. This leaves the body deficient in immune cells and vulnerable to attack by foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses. In fact ImmuneSystemEtc.com reports that stress has surpassed the common cold as the most common health problem and is the number one factor contributing to disease.
Reproductive Problems
When the adrenal gland is continually busy producing increased levels of cortisol, the production of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is inhibited. DHEA is the precursor for the reproductive hormones including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. If there is not enough DHEA, the balance of reproductive hormone is affected which can cause reproductive problems.
