Cortisol is a glucocorticoid that is synthesized by cholesterol in the two adrenal glands that are situated above each of the kidneys. It is often denoted to as the stress hormone, due to its link to stress response. Normally, cortisol is released when responding to events and activities such as waking up each morning, exercise and acute stress.
The primary function of cortisol is to restore homeostasis after exposure to stress, and its effects are felt in the whole body. While its primary targets are metabolic, it has an effect on ion transport, the immune response, and even memory.
Cortisol is essential, and the body cannot live without it, but too much of it is not healthy. Short term busts of cortisol are necessary to help during recovery from stress. This boosts blood sugar levels hence providing adequate levels. Sustained high levels of cortisol because of increased blood sugar levels result to the risk of type 2 diabetes. Weight gain and obesity are also common due to the progressive storage of visceral fat (Adriaanse, 2012). In its functions, cortisol interferes with the endocrine system, and over time, the immune system may be weakened. Cardiovascular disease also results from cortisol constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure hence enhancing the delivery of oxygenated blood. The risk of heart attack is high as such arterial constriction damages the blood vessels and causes plaque buildup. Elevated levels of cortisol due to stress may cause fertility problems.
Erectile dysfunction and the disruption of normal ovulation can be an issue.
When the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol for a long time, Cushing’s syndrome or hypercortisolism occurs (Clair, 2016). The symptoms and indicators vary depending on the levels of cortisol that the body is exposed. Weight gain, especially in the abdomen, especially in the face, midsection and upper back are one of the symptoms of the syndrome. A thinning, fragile skin is evident, and cuts, bruises, and insect bites may take a long time to heal. Purple or pink stretch marks appear on certain parts of the body. Treating the syndrome can return the body to normal cortisol productions and significantly improve the symptoms. Cortisol is an important hormone for regulation of energy in the body. However, its levels must be regulated in the body as too much of it causes myriad problems to the body.
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