Stress is a biological response to difficult situations. This causes the body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Stress hormones help prepare the body for action by increasing the heart rate and breathing rate, creating a heightened state of alertness or arousal. This response to certain situations is designed to protect you from threats from predators, whether physical or psychological.
But how can you lower your cortisol levels if you have chronic stress? Obviously, reduce the number of stressful situations, and for faster and more effective recovery, contact us at Altimed MC.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that is released by the adrenal cortex whenever you experience stress. If you are chronically stressed, your body constantly releases the hormone. Chronically high cortisol is very detrimental to your cognitive and physical health, as well as your well-being. However, in the short term, the release of cortisol is very beneficial and serves as a form of protection for your body.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels are especially dangerous for your brain. In such cases, the hormone damages areas in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Elevated cortisol levels have been shown to also lead to sleep problems and noticeably poorer sleep quality. This is because too much cortisol prevents you from falling asleep in the evening, and at night leads to a situation where you are in a constant state of alertness.
Effect of cortisol on the body
to overestimate the functions of cortisol ; it takes an active effect in metabolic processes in the body. The hormone enhances the effects of adrenaline and norepinephrine, which allows a person to independently cope with a stressful situation without medication.
Cortisol had an anti-inflammatory effect and regulates the production of amino acids and their uptake by skeletal muscle tissue. The stress hormone is responsible for the process:
- protein management (it enhances catabolism and is involved in the process of protein breakdown);
- carbohydrate metabolism in the body;
- fat metabolism;
- water-electrolyte metabolism.
In addition to these properties, the effect of cortisol on the body is observed in other processes. So, its normal level is:
- pronounced anti-inflammatory effect;
- strengthening the body's protective functions;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased secretion of stomach acid;
- release of calcium from bone tissue.
Cortisol reduces the body's resistance. It is very important for the body and in case of severe deficiency, immediate elimination of the imbalance is required.
When should you take a cortisol test?
With high or low blood pressure, with high blood sugar, with fat deposits in the waist area, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, pain in the abdominal cavity, the appearance of age spots on the skin, etc.
Along with cortisol levels, testing for the levels of the sleep hormone melatonin in the body is recommended - the principle of the examination is the same.
Prices for determining cortisol and melatonin levels in Slovenia Krka Thermae
Cortisol - daily profile - 4 saliva samples: 141.75 euro
Melatonin: 103.95 euro
Cortisol and melatonin: 195.51 euro
What is adrenaline?
Adrenaline is a substance that is produced in the adrenal medulla, as well as in some neurons of the central nervous system. Within a few minutes during a stressful situation, adrenaline is quickly released into the blood, sending impulses to the organs to create a specific reaction.
Adrenaline is usually released when we are in a stressful situation; it is said to govern our fight-or-flight conditions. When we encounter a situation that causes us stress, this hormone rushes to certain parts of our body, causing us to react, this is called the release of adrenaline. For example, a dry throat during public speaking or a rapid heartbeat in a frightening situation are all due to the release of the hormone adrenaline. As stress gradually subsides, its effects are neutralized by norepinephrine, a body hormone.
What is adrenaline stress
Adrenaline release occurs at the moment of maximum tension. It is noteworthy that this process can be triggered by both ordinary viewing of a horror film and serious stressful situations. An excess of stress hormones negatively affects the general condition of the body and can lead to the development of chronic stress.
Adrenaline stress to a state in which the maximum release of a hormone occurs under the influence of any situation. At this moment, a person’s strength doubles, and he is able to solve a problem of any complexity. But if adrenaline during stress is the norm, then its excess in a calm state is a real danger to the body. A person may develop the following pathologies:
- high blood pressure;
- severe headaches;
- nausea;
- sleep problems.
In its classic form, the stress hormone adrenaline enhances the body's protective functions. But an abnormal excess can cause diseases of the cardiovascular system. Increased levels of adrenaline lead to the accumulation of fat and sugar in the blood, which leads to excessive weight gain.
In some cases, a person develops adrenaline addiction, and as it develops, the following occurs:
- increased heart rate;
- rapid breathing;
- dilated pupils;
- increase in pressure.
Regularly experiencing adrenaline stress is dangerous to your health!
Overall, cortisol and adrenaline perform many important tasks in the body. For example, in stressful situations they prepare you to be at the top of your game. Hormones also help the brain use glucose as an energy source. In short, cortisol improves your performance. When you need to perform well in a difficult situation, the stress hormones norepinephrine and adrenaline are first quickly released. This is followed by a release of cortisol. The combination of these hormones increases heart rate, blood pressure, and has many other effects. Essentially, cortisol activates you in challenging situations. Read on to learn how to lower cortisol.
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and in the development of stress reactions.
Synonyms Russian
Hydrocortisone.
English synonyms
Compound F, Cortisol, Hydrocortisone.
Research method
Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Determination range: 3 - 17500 nmol/l.
Units
Nmol/L (nanomoles per liter).
What biomaterial can be used for research?
Venous blood.
How to properly prepare for research?
- Do not eat for 12 hours before donating blood.
- Avoid taking estrogens and androgens 48 hours before the test.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress for 24 hours before the test.
- Do not smoke for 3 hours of blood donation.
General information about the study
Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex. It protects the body from stress, regulates blood pressure, and participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The release of cortisol is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), produced in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the bottom of the brain. The concentrations of ACTH and cortisol in the blood are regulated by feedback. A decrease in cortisol concentration increases the production of ACTH, resulting in stimulation of the production of this hormone until it returns to normal. An increase in the concentration of cortisol in the blood, on the contrary, leads to a decrease in the production of ACTH.
Therefore, the concentration of cortisol in the blood can change with an increase or decrease in the secretion of both cortisol itself in the adrenal glands and ACTH in the pituitary gland, for example, with a pituitary tumor that secretes ACTH.
A decrease in cortisol production may be accompanied by nonspecific symptoms: weight loss, weakness, fatigue, decreased blood pressure, abdominal pain. When a combination of decreased cortisol production and severe stress occurs, an adrenal crisis sometimes develops, which requires emergency medical attention.
Excess cortisol leads to high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, obesity, thinning skin and the appearance of purple stretch marks on the sides of the abdomen.
What is the research used for?
- For the diagnosis of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or disease and Addison's disease - serious endocrinological diseases.
- To assess the effectiveness of treatment of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or disease and Addison's disease.
When is the study scheduled?
- If you suspect Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or disease (symptoms: high blood pressure, obesity, muscle dystrophy, abdominal stretch marks) or Addison's disease (symptoms: weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, skin pigmentation).
- In cases of ineffectiveness of attempts to normalize high blood pressure.
- At certain intervals when the patient is being treated for Cushing's syndrome/disease or Addison's disease.
What do the results mean?
Reference values
For samples taken in the morning (6-10 hours): 166 - 507 nmol/l.
For samples taken in the evening hours (16-20 hours): 73.8 - 291 nmol/l.
Normally, cortisol levels are low in the evening and reach a maximum after waking up. If a person often works night shifts or does not follow a sleep schedule, then this rhythm may become disrupted. As a rule, it is also impaired in Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
Elevated or normal cortisol levels in morning samples without a decrease in the evening suggest excess cortisol production. Often, excess cortisol formation is associated with increased production of ACTH in the pituitary gland - Cushing's disease. This is usually caused by a pituitary adenoma, as well as tumors that produce ACTH outside the pituitary gland.
Increased activity of the adrenal glands and their production of excessive amounts of cortisol - Itsenko-Cushing syndrome - can be associated with a benign or malignant tumor of the adrenal glands, as well as with the fact that the patient has been taking glucocorticosteroids for a long time, as, for example, with systemic lupus erythematosus or bronchial asthma.
Causes of increased cortisol levels
- Cushing's disease: pituitary adenoma,
- tumors of the hypothalamus, an endocrine organ that regulates the functioning of the pituitary gland,
- ACTH-producing tumors of other organs (testes, bronchi, ovaries).
- benign or malignant adrenal tumor,
If the amount of cortisol in the blood is reduced and its level increases after ACTH stimulation, the problem is most likely due to insufficient production of ACTH by the pituitary gland. If cortisol levels do not change or increase only slightly after ACTH stimulation, then the adrenal glands are obviously damaged. Pathology associated with insufficient production of ACTH or damage to the adrenal glands is called adrenal insufficiency. Damage to the adrenal glands, in which they do not produce enough cortisol, is Addison's disease.
Reasons for low cortisol levels
- Addison's disease: damage to the adrenal cortex, leading to decreased production of cortisol,
- autoimmune lesion, i.e. that which arises as a result of the formation of antibodies to the cells of the adrenal cortex,
- tuberculous lesion.
What can influence the result?
- Increases cortisol levels: pregnancy,
- stress (trauma, surgery),
- veroshpiron, oral contraceptives, alcohol, nicotine.
- dexamethasone, prednisolone.
When should you contact Altimed MC?
It is necessary to seek qualified help when characteristic symptoms appear. The main signs of elevated cortisol :
- Rapid weight gain, mainly on the face, chest and abdomen.
- Flushed and round face.
- High blood pressure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Skin changes (such as bruising and purple stretch marks).
- Muscle weakness.
- Anxiety, depression or irritability.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
You may also experience increased body hair growth or trouble sleeping (as cortisol affects the body's sleep-wake cycle). Elevated stress hormones in women can include decreased sex drive and menstrual irregularities.
If you have elevated cortisol symptoms , which are described above, contact us at the Altimed Medical Center.
Diagnostics and treatment of stress hormones at Altimed MC
To find out what caused the increase in hormones, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnosis of the body. This can be done quickly and painlessly here at Altimed MC. We use our own equipment for a complete diagnosis of the body.
Functional screening helps measure stress-related cortisol levels , as well as vitamin and mineral levels. With its help, you can get a complete picture of the functioning of the entire organism.
ATM Vega Test reveals hidden diseases, helps determine their severity and understand what caused them. Based on the results obtained, our specialists can create an effective treatment plan, the results of which you will notice in the first days.
What are the dangers of elevated cortisol levels?
Excessive cortisol levels lead to a number of negative consequences:
- destruction of muscle tissue;
- increased bone fragility;
- accumulation of fatty tissue in the abdominal area, including on internal organs;
- decreased testosterone production;
- weakened immunity;
- indigestion (diarrhea, constipation);
- cardiopalmus;
- insomnia, inability to fall asleep quickly;
- fast fatiguability;
- irritability, aggressiveness;
- malfunctions of the thyroid gland.
With a constant excess of cortisol levels, the risk of developing serious diseases increases significantly, including: diabetes, hypertension, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, infertility and many others. The main factor that provokes increased production of cortisol is stress. The more often a person is exposed to stress, the higher the level of the hormone. Cortisol is produced not only in response to a real threat, but also to anxious thoughts and experiences, so suspicious and depressed people often face this problem.
The cause of cortisol imbalance can be certain diseases: diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, pathologies of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland, obesity. Pregnancy can also be a provoking factor.
An important condition for maintaining normal cortisol levels is maintaining a proper daily routine. If you are active at night and sleep during the day, this disrupts your biological clock and disrupts the production of cortisol.
How to Reduce Cortisol Levels
If cortisol levels are elevated, it is recommended to reconsider your lifestyle and minimize the amount of stress. It is important to be able to relax, let go of anxious thoughts, and tune in to the positive. Meditation, massage, music for relaxation help well.
For proper production of cortisol, healthy sleep of at least 7 hours a day is necessary. You need to sleep in complete darkness and silence. It is advisable to go to bed before 23:00 and ventilate the room well. Moderate physical activity will help normalize hormonal levels. Hiking in the fresh air is beneficial. You need to reconsider your diet so that every meal is accompanied by the consumption of protein. To digest protein, carbohydrates are necessary, they must also be present. It is also important to drink enough water. In the absence of contraindications, this is at least two liters per day.
In addition to the above recommendations, taking adaptogens such as ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, etc. has a positive effect.
Symptoms of elevated cortisol levels are not specific and can be observed in other diseases and disorders; an accurate diagnosis can only be made based on the results of the examination. You can undergo all the necessary examinations and receive consultations from qualified specialists in Volgograd, Volzhsky and Mikhailovka at the DIALINE clinics. If increased cortisol production is confirmed, our specialists will determine the cause of the disorder and select the optimal therapy, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. To make an appointment, contact us by phone or through the feedback form on the website. For ease of use of our services, we recommend registering in your personal account.
How are stress hormones treated at Altimed MC?
The process of reducing cortisol takes time and a comprehensive approach. Our specialists will prepare a course for you, after which you will be able to restore the normal level of cortisol in the body and thereby get rid of many discomforts (excess weight, sleep problems, and others).
To reduce stress, we recommend taking a course of treatment using our ATM TR device for transcranial magnetic stimulation. Frequency-wave processes affect the body, establish synchronization of all organs so that they work in their own rhythm. A device for electromagnetic (PEMF) therapy at home ATM Helper ML helps restore the level of stress hormones in the human body. The main thing is that you can use it in the future if you find yourself in stressful situations. Also, it has a wide range of actions and is no less effective in curing many other diseases. You will be told about this in more detail during your consultation.
Learn to recognize thoughts that cause stress
Thinking about negative and traumatic events is a trigger for the synthesis of cortisol. British scientists conducted a study in which participants wrote down their most negative memories for 20 minutes over three days. The results showed that it caused high cortisol levels in participants. Scientists link this to long-term consequences for the entire body.
The scientific community also highlights the role of worry and dwelling on negative thoughts in stress levels. It has been proven that negative thinking not only increases cortisol levels, but also has a negative effect on the production of oxytocin, a hormone that calms the nervous system.
Mental practice or mindfulness is one way to combat negative thinking and helps reduce cortisol levels. Hungarian scientists conducted a meta-analysis of ten studies on the connection between meditation and stress hormone levels. The results showed that meditation has a positive effect on people living in stressful conditions, but especially on patients with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
