Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which has important effects on the regulation of the body, and therefore, if it is weak, produces several harmful effects on the body, such as fatigue, loss of appetite and anemia. Causes of low cortisol levels may be dysfunction of the adrenal glands due to chronic depression, inflammation, infection or tumor, for example.
Another important cause of low cortisol is the abrupt cessation of use of any corticosteroid used, such as prednisone or dexamethasone. To treat this problem you have to solve the cause, treating depression or the tumor, for example, and if cortisol is too low, replace levels of this hormone with the use of corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, prescribed by the endocrinologist.
- Cortisol acts on various organs of the body.
- Making it an important hormone in regulating body functions.
- When you are weak.
- It can cause symptoms such as:.
In pregnant women, low cortisol levels, if left untreated, can cause difficulties in the development of the baby’s organs, such as the lungs, eyes, skin and brain. Therefore, if these symptoms are present during pregnancy, the obstetrician should be informed so that the diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment implemented.
Dysfunction of the adrenal glands can also cause Addison syndrome, which is characterized, in addition to the decrease in cortisol, by other minerals and androgen hormones. Learn more about Addison’s disease.
Cortisol may fall due to adrenal gland dysfunction, which can occur due to inflammation, infection, bleeding or infiltration by tumors or brain cancer. Another common cause of this hormonal decline is sudden discontinuation of corticosteroid-containing medications, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, for example, because prolonged use of these drugs inhibits the production of cortisol in the body.
Depression is also a major cause of this problem, as the lack of Serotonin that occurs in chronic depression causes a reduction in cortisol levels.
A low level of cortisol is detected by tests that quantify this hormone in the blood, urine or saliva, and are requested by your family doctor. Learn more about how the cortisol test is performed.
Treatment of low cortisol levels, when severe, is done with the replacement of this hormone, using corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, for example, prescribed by the endocrinologist. The cause of the fall of this hormone should also be resolved, removing the tumor, inflammation or infection that causes dysfunction of the adrenal gland.
Cases of low cortisol due to chronic depression and stress can be treated with psychotherapy and the use of antidepressant medications, prescribed by the family doctor or psychiatrist. Physical activity and consumption of foods that contribute to Serotonin production, such as cheese, peanuts, nuts and bananas, are an important natural way to improve depression. Learn more about Serotonin-boosting foods.