Stress and cortisol: Their interconnection outlined
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Job-related stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels. A 2018 study showed that extreme stress results in an increase in cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, compared with relaxed periods.
Cortisol follows a circadian rhythm, with higher levels in the early morning and lower levels at night. However, high cortisol levels for an extended period can lead to a variety of health issues.
High cortisol levels can cause cardiovascular and metabolic problems, such as difficult-to-control hypertension and increased risk of diabetes. Muscle and bone weakness are also common, with cortisol promoting protein breakdown, reducing muscle mass and causing muscle weakness, and decreasing bone density, increasing osteoporosis risk.
Immune suppression and inflammation are other effects of high cortisol levels. Cortisol suppresses immune function, leading to more frequent infections and slower wound healing. Chronic elevation can cause immune system overreaction, manifesting as chronic inflammation, linked to arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Reproductive issues can also occur, with high cortisol disrupting hormone balance in women, causing irregular or missed menstrual cycles, infertility, and symptoms like acne, excess body hair, and hair thinning. In men, it may cause erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and fatigue.
Skin and hair changes are another consequence of long-term high cortisol levels. These changes include thinning skin that bruises easily, slower healing, stretch marks, acne, discoloration, hair loss, or excessive facial/body hair in women. Facial puffiness or "moon face" can also occur.
High cortisol levels can also impact sleep and cognitive functions, impairing sleep quality, causing insomnia, vivid dreams, or nightmares, and interfering with concentration and memory, leading to brain fog and difficulty focusing. It can also contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and panic attacks.
In summary, chronic elevation of cortisol impacts almost every system in the body, increasing risks of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, weakened immunity, hormonal imbalances, structural body changes, and mental health problems, often resembling symptoms seen in Cushing’s syndrome.
When facing stress, the hypothalamus activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which signals the adrenal gland to produce cortisol, causing cortisol levels to rise. Stress can also negatively affect memory, cognition, and learning due to structural changes in the brain.
If you feel you need more help in managing stress, it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional. Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain and other physical health issues, so it's essential to manage stress effectively.
Tips for managing stress include avoiding upsetting news stories, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
Doctors may treat high cortisol levels by changing the dose of glucocorticoids, prescribing non-glucocorticoid medication, radiation, chemotherapy, or cortisol-reducing medications, depending on the cause. Long-term activation of the body's stress response and exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can have negative effects on the body, so it's crucial to manage stress effectively to maintain overall health and well-being.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cushing's syndrome: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushings-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353328
[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Stress and Your Heart. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/stress-and-your-heart
[3] American Psychological Association. (2021). Stress and the immune system. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/immune
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Cushing's syndrome: Symptoms and causes. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16436-cushings-syndrome
[5] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetes: The Basics. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/the-basics/what-is-diabetes
- Congenital disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome, can cause excessive production of adrenal hormones like cortisol, leading to cardiovascular disease, metabolic problems, and mental health issues.
- Science has shown that hyperplasia of the adrenal glands, which produces a surplus of cortisol, can be linked to a variety of health complications, including sleep disorders, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.
- In the realm of workplace wellness and health-and-wellness, it's essential to recognize the impact of stress on cortisol levels and its potential consequences, such as increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
- To manage stress and maintain overall fitness-and-exercise, mental health, and well-being, therapies-and-treatments such as stress-reduction techniques, counseling, and medication may be necessary.
- Chronic elevation of cortisol can have detrimental effects on the body, causing symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome, impairing sleep, and impacting cognitive functions, making it crucial to manage stress effectively for health and wellness.
