Cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands.located above the kidneys, is also known as the “stress hormone” due to its role in stressful situations.
Cortisol levels in the body are regulated through a system called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland so that it in turn releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which reaches the adrenal glands and stimulates the release of cortisol.
When blood cortisol levels are high, They send a negative feedback signal to the hypothalamus and pituitary to decrease the production of cortisol-stimulating hormones.
Related diseases
Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, plays a fundamental role in the body. Regulates metabolism, sleep, immune function, inflammation and stress response. However, unbalanced cortisol levels can be associated with various diseases.
- Cushing’s syndrome: Excessively high levels of cortisol due to tumors in the pituitary gland. This can cause weight gain, weakness, blood sugar problems, and bruising.
- Addison’s disease: Chronic adrenal insufficiency, where the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, resulting in insufficient levels of cortisol. Symptoms include fatigue, darkening of the skin and loss of appetite.
- Adrenal crisis: A medical emergency caused by a sudden decrease in cortisol, which can lead to confusion and loss of consciousness.
Remember that these diseases can be complicated to treat and often share symptoms with other conditions, do not self-diagnose, consult your doctor.
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