What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is often called the "stress hormone" because its levels rise following emotional and physical stress. This hormone is more than just a simple indicator of stress levels; it's also necessary for the functioning of almost every part of the human body. Deficiencies or excesses of this crucial hormone can lead to various physical symptoms and disease states.
Situations That Can Raise Cortisol Levels:
Being stuck in traffic
Arguing with family members or people in general
Arriving late to work
Getting over anxious about an upcoming exam
Over-exercising
Physically demanding jobs
Worrying about your next meal
Illness
Temperature Extremes
These are all situations in which your body is stressed either physically or emotionally and causes it to release "more than necessary" amounts of this catabolic hormone. Cortisol levels in normal individuals are higher in the morning from 6-8 am and lowest around midnight.
Background Information
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which are small glands adjacent to the kidneys. Cortisol's most important roles in the human body are regulating blood pressure and cardiovascular function. It also regulates the body's use of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Cortisol's excretion increases when physical or psychological stress in placed on the body.
Once cortisol is secreted, it causes a breakdown of muscle protein, leading to the release of amino acids into the bloodstream. After this process occurs, the amino acids are immediately used by the liver to synthesize glucose for energy. This raises the blood sugar level so more glucose will be available for the brain as energy. At the same time, other tissues in the body decrease their use of glucose as fuel. Cortisol also causes the release of fatty acids, an energy source from fat cells, to be used by the muscles. These two energy-directing processes prepare the person for the situation that is stressing them and also gives the brain an adequate amount of energy sources.
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