Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys. Cortisol is used to help the body manage stress, reduce inflammation, help the immune system to function properly, help with the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and keep blood sugar and blood pressure levels constant.
Cortisol levels in the blood vary throughout the day as they are related to daily activity and serotonin levels, which are responsible for the feeling of place and well-being, due to basal cortisol levels in the blood, are usually higher in the morning upon waking. raise and lower your concentration during the day. In the case of people who work nights, cortisol levels are usually reversed.
- Cortisol can be altered by different situations.
- Which could lead to signs or symptoms such as weight gain or muscle loss with elevated cortisol; with low cortisol levels.
- Can cause depression and fatigue.
- For example.
This test is indicated to evaluate cortisol levels in the body and may be done through a blood or saliva sample. Reference values for cortisol levels in the blood are:
If the cortisol test result is modified, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist to identify the cause and start treating it more quickly, if necessary, as high cortisol levels are always indicators of your presence in a serious illness, which could be affected by heat or the presence of an infection. Find out how to prepare for the cortisol test.
When cortisol rises in the body, it can cause certain signs and symptoms such as:
High cortisol may also indicate a condition called Cushing syndrome, which causes symptoms such as rapid weight gain with fat buildup in the abdominal area, hair loss and thick hair.
Learn more about Cushing syndrome
Treatment of high cortisol can be done with medications prescribed by your doctor, but it may also decrease by increasing the intake of anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, nuts and olive oil, due to high levels of inflammation in the body. can cause an increase in cortisol. It is also important to increase consumption of vitamin C-rich foods and include black tea intake in your diet.
Other ways to naturally control cortisol levels in the blood include regular physical activity, reducing and controlling stress through therapeutic massages, therapy or relaxing activity.
Learn more about treating high cortisol
When cortisol levels are low in the body, this can cause signs and symptoms such as:
Cortisol may also indicate that the patient has a condition called Addison’s disease that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, spots on the skin and especially when waking up.
Treatment of low cortisol levels, when severe, is achieved by repositioning this hormone by corticosteroids, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, prescribed by the endocrinologist. He knows more.