Cortisol is popularly known as stress hormone, because in these times there is increased production of this hormone, in addition to being increased in stressful situations, cortisol can also increase during physical activity and as a result of endocrine diseases, such as Cushing syndrome.
Changes in cortisol levels can influence various processes of the body and leave the immune system more weakened, especially.Cortisol, among other functions, is responsible for managing physiological and psychological stress and reducing inflammation.
- Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands responsible for regulating various processes that take place in the body.
- The production and release of this hormone into the bloodstream occurs on a regular basis and following the circadian cycle.
- With increased production in the morning upon awakening.
Learn more about cortisol functions
High cortisol levels are very common in people with chronic stress because the body is constantly producing the hormone to prepare it to deal with stressful situations, which ultimately do not resolve.During these times, the adrenal glands also produce epinephrine and norepinephrine which, along with cortisol, cause changes in the body, the main being:
With the increase in the amount of cortisol in the blood and consequently adrenaline and norepinephrine, the heart begins to pump more blood, increasing the amount of oxygen in the muscles.In addition, due to increased cortisol, blood vessels may shrink., forcing the heart to work harder, increasing blood pressure and promoting the development of heart disease.
In the medium and long term, an increase in cortisol levels can reduce the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas without regulating blood sugar and thus promote diabetes.
On the other hand, as the amount of blood sugar increases, higher levels of cortisol can increase the amount of energy available in the body, as this prevents sugar from being stored and can soon be used by muscles.
A long-term decrease in insulin production can also lead to excessive accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.
Because cortisol is also linked to the proper functioning of the immune system, changes in blood concentration can make the immune system more fragile, increasing the likelihood that a person will contract illnesses such as colds, flu, or other types of infection. .