Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that sit above the kidneys. Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol makes blood pressure and blood sugar levels rise. Chronic elevated blood pressure can increase an individual’s risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Effectively managing stress may also help keep cortisol levels down and protect the immune system. Cortisol plays an important role in helping the body release insulin, maintain glucose levels and keep the immune system healthy.

Identification

The pituitary gland produces the hormone, ACTH, which prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. During stressful episodes, cortisol is released, allowing the body to increase blood pressure, memory functions and have immediate energy available to respond physically in a life-threatening event. The flight or fight response is necessary for survival. If the individual does not also engage the relaxation response after the stressful event has passed, elevated cortisol levels may increase risk for chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, hypertension or obesity.

Features

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands after the pituitary gland releases the hormone ACTH. As described above, this kicks off the fight or flight response, triggering physical changes in the body that are needed to respond to an immediate physical threat. In healthy people, cortisol levels are highest in the morning and lowest at night. Normal levels range from 6 to 23 micrograms per deciliter, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Function

Cortisol affects metabolism, prompts the fight or flight response and also helps the body manage blood sugar levels. Cortisol also affects the immune system and blood pressure. People taking steroids or who have an underactive thyroid may have cortisol levels lower than normal. People who are pregnant, or taking estrogen or hydrocortisone, a synthetic, man-made form of cortisol, are more likely to have higher than normal levels of cortisol. The risk of long-term elevated cortisol levels is that immune system may become suppressed from the long-term stress response being activated.

Considerations

Certain drugs can increase or decrease cortisol levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, women supplementing with estrogen or taking oral contraceptives are likely to have increased cortisol levels. Prednisone and prednisolone, a category of drugs known as glucocorticoids, could also increase cortisol levels.

Warning

A person with elevated levels of cortisol may be at risk for Cushing’s disease or an adrenal tumor. If you have lower than normal levels of cortisol, you may be at risk for Addison’s disease or hypopituatarianism. If you have higher than normal levels of cortisol for an extended period of time, this can increase your risk for lower thyroid function, blood sugar disorders such as hyperglycemia, lower bone density, suppressed immune system and high blood pressure. Having these symptoms can increase the risk for developing chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. See your doctor if you think you have any of these health issues.

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