Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. These two glands sit on top of each kidney and respond to stress in the body with the release of cortisol. In short bursts this hormone gives us a burst of energy for survival, improves our memory function, increases our immune system, lowers our sensitivity to pain and helps maintain an equilibrium of hormones in the body. However when the stress is chronic the changes inside the body are not as positive.
Abdominal Fat
In the 1990s researchers discovered a link between the release of cortisol and the deposit of abdominal fat. In a study published in November 2000, researchers from Yale University released their findings in "Stress May Cause excess Abdominal Fat in Otherwise Slender Women". While past studies had evaluated the relationship between cortisol release in obese people and the deposition fat, this study looked at the response of lean women who had excess abdominal fat as a response to cortisol. Researchers found that the women in their study who had a greater distribution of fat around their abdomen also perceived higher levels of stress from the study tasks.
Blood Glucose
High cortisol levels in the body can affect the level of blood glucose and your appetite. According to Dr. John Lee cortisol will increase the amount of glucose in the blood stream that is absorbed by the cells in preparation for fight or flight. Once this initial rush of energy is gone the body begins to struggle to produce more glucose, which triggers your hunger. You begin rummaging through the cabinets and drawers searching for candy, cookies and potato chips to get your energy back. You are caught in a vicious cycle of stress, low energy, eating and fat conversion of empty calories.
Blood Pressure
According to a study published in 2000 from researchers Judith A. Whitworth and George J. Mangos, cortisol plays a significant role in several functions of cardiovascular regulation. These functions can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure and subsequently cardiovascular disease.
Depression
According to Dr. Paul Mackin there is strong evidence that a high amount of cortisol in the blood is central to the development of clinical depression and cognitive deficits. Identification and treatment of the link between the two often falls short of the goal and data suggests that addressing cortisol levels may be significant in the treatment of mood disorders.
PMS
In his book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause", Dr. Lee points out the link between estrogen and cortisol leading to increased symptoms of PMS. Cortisol and progesterone will compete for the same cell receptors, which impair the action of progesterone. Progesterone, during parts of a woman's cycle, will suppress the secretion of estrogen. When progesterone isn't able to perform this function there are periods of estrogen dominance, which leads to more pronounced symptoms of PMS.
Testerone
According to a study published in March 2005 in the "Journal of Sports Science and Medicine" researchers tried to establish a link between the release of cortisol during intense exercise and the decrease of testosterone in the body. Previous research had determined that reduced testosterone levels were reached after cortisol was administered at rest. However, researchers from the University of North Carolina proved that while intense exercise did reduce the total amount of testosterone available in the body it increased the amount of free testosterone and thus had no long-term effect on the secretion of testosterone.
References
- Science Daily: "Stress May Cause excess Abdominal Fat in Otherwise Slender Women": Elissa S. Epel, Ph.D.: November 2000
- John R. Lee, M.D.: PMS and the Stress Connection
- American Heart Association: "Cushing, Cortisol and Cardiovascular Disease"; Judith A. Whitworth and George J Mangos: 2000
- Journal of Sports Science and Medicine: "Relationship between Circulating Cortisol and Testosterone: Influence of Physical Exercise": Kaye K. Browlee: 2005
- Psychiatric Times: "The Role of Cortisol and Depression: Exploring New Opportunities for Treatments": Paul Mackin, M.D.: May 2004
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