BodyLogicMD’s Hormone Therapy Blog

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress or anxiety, giving it the name “the stress hormone.” When we experience stress or anxiety, our bodies respond to these stressors by releasing cortisol into our blood stream. Cortisol is our body’s “fight or flight” response to stress. On the short term, increased levels of cortisol can help boost the body’s immune system, desensitize the body’s response to pain, increase energy levels and help maintain homeostasis.

How does cortisol affect the body?

Increased production of cortisol puts the body into a state of chronic stress and can be both mentally and physically damaging.

• Digestion – Cortisol inhibits the release of stomach acids and makes it more difficult for the stomach to empty itself.
• Circulatory System – High levels of the stress hormone cortisol rapidly increase the heart rate and can raise blood pressure and cholesterol. This increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular disease.   
• Immune System – The immune system responds to injury, infection and disease by releasing chemicals that aid in the body’s healing process. The cortisol response debilitates the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection.
• Weight Gain – Cortisol causes cravings for fats and carbohydrates which are catalysts for weight gain. Cortisol also causes us to gain weight in the lower abdominal area, increasing our risk of heart disease and diabetes.
• Mental Health – Cortisol can wreak havoc on your mental health by producing excessive quantities of cortisol, putting the body in a constant state of stress. High levels of cortisol also lead to adrenal fatigue and insomnia.

Regaining your balance

By reducing stress, you’re reducing the amount of cortisol that is released into your blood stream. Physical fitness, meditation and breathing exercises are excellent ways to relieve stress. Also, avoiding harmful habits such as excessive drinking, smoking and over-eating and getting plenty of sleep are great ways to reduce the production of cortisol – scientists say that sufficient sleep reduces cortisol by as much as 50%.

It’s important to remember that cortisol is a hormone and when cortisol levels are out of range, it is classified as a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance is has a domino effect; one hormonal imbalance leads to another, which leads to another and so on. The best way to determine whether or not you have a hormonal imbalance is to get your hormones tested. Hormone testing is quick and simple and is the best way to get a comprehensive view of your health. Based on the results of diagnostic testing, physicians can use bioidentical hormones to correct the underlying causes of hormonal imbalance. By correcting these root issues, you’re helping further your longevity, vitality and wellness.

Here’s great video featuring Dr. Mike Lee of BodyLogicMD of Miami discussing the link between the stress hormone cortisol and adenal fatigue.