CORTISOL

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that allows the body to respond to stress. Hence, it is called “the stress hormone”. The hormone is naturally produced by the body, in the adrenal glands, two small glands that sit on top of each kidney.

Cortisol plays a role in many diseases and conditions. Among these are:

  • Helping the body fight inflammation.
  • Stimulates the liver to produce blood sugar.
  • Helps in controlling the amount of water in the body.
  • Plays a role in metabolism.

Adrenal gland disorders may arise when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little cortisol. They are:

  • Cushing’s Syndrome- there’s too much cortisol production. People with Cushing’s syndrome often experience weight gain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
  • Addison’s Disease- Is marked by too little cortisol production. People with this disease typically experience severe fatigue and weakness, weight loss, faintness, and low blood pressure.

High levels of cortisol in the body have been associated with metabolic abnormalities and weight gain.

To diagnose if you have too much or low Cortisol level in your body, your doctor may perform blood test or urine test.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]