Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. The function of cortisol is to help the body to control stress, reduce inflammation, contribute to the functioning of the immune system and keep blood sugar levels constant, as well as blood pressure.
Blood cortisol levels vary during the day because they are related to daily activity and serotonin, which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and well-being. Thus, baseline cortisol levels in the blood are generally greater on awakening morning, from 8.7 to 22 μg / dL, and then decrease throughout the day to values less than 10 μg / dL, whereas in people which work at night levels are reversed.
High blood cortisol can cause symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, weight gain or decreased testosterone, or be indicative of problems such as Cushing's Syndrome, for example.
Low cortisol can cause symptoms of depression, fatigue, or weakness, or be indicative of problems such as Addison's disease.
High Cortisol
High cortisol can lead to signs and symptoms such as:
- Loss of muscle mass;
- Weight gain;
- Increased odds of osteoporosis;
- Difficulty in learning;
- Low growth;
- Decreased testosterone;
- Memory lapses;
- Increased thirst and frequency of urination;
- Decreased sexual appetite;
- Irregular menstruation.
High cortisol may also indicate a condition called Cushing's Syndrome, which causes symptoms such as rapid weight gain, accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, hair loss, and oily skin. Learn more about this disease in: Cushing's syndrome.
Treatment for High Cortisol
Treatment to lower cortisol can be done with medicines prescribed by the doctor, but the consumption of yams is a great home remedy. Other ways to naturally control excess blood cortisol is by exercising regularly, eating healthy by increasing your intake of vitamin C and decreasing your caffeine intake. Learn about the major causes of high cortisol and see more about treatment to lower cortisol levels.
Low Cortisol
Low cortisol can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Depression;
- Fatigue;
- Tiredness;
- Weakness;
- Sudden desire to eat sweets.
Low cortisol may also indicate that the person has Addison's Disease, which generates symptoms such as abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, skin blemishes and dizziness, especially when lifting. Learn more about Addison's disease.
Cortisol Examination
Cortisol testing is indicated to evaluate cortisol levels and can be done through a blood, urine, or saliva sample. The reference values of blood cortisol levels are:
- Morning: 8.7 to 22 μg / dL;
- End of day: less than 10 μg / dL.
If the cortisol test result is changed, it is recommended that an endocrinologist be consulted to identify the cause and start treatment as soon as possible, if necessary, because high or low cortisol levels are not always indicative of disease, as they may be altered due to heat or the presence of infections, for example. Learn more about the cortisol exam.
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