| What could be The Effects of High Cortisol Levels to | | | | our body. This excessive amount can lead to |
| Health? Cortisol is a hormone in a group of steroids | | | | Cushing's Disease which can cause weight gain, |
| commonly known as glucocorticoids secreted from | | | | truncal obesity, striae, hypertension, glucose |
| the adrenal glands located at the top of the kidneys. | | | | intolerance and infections. |
| The hypothalamus is responsible for the high levels of | | | | Cortisol can move calcium from bones to the blood |
| cortisol in the blood because it produces | | | | stream. Thus, high cortisol level weakens the bones |
| Corticotrophic-Releasing Hormone (CRH) which | | | | -predisposed the person to bone fractures, bone |
| stimulates the pituitary glands to release | | | | loss, osteoporosis, and other bone disorders. |
| Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) to make the | | | | One of the functions of cortisol is to reduced |
| adrenal glands secrete cortisol. | | | | inflammation. The body reduces inflammation by |
| Cortisol is referred as the "stress hormone" because | | | | suppressing the immune system. When there is acute |
| it normally functions to help our body deal with | | | | stress, like when your skin is cut by a sharp object, |
| stressful situations. In times of stress, cortisol level | | | | your body will respond immediately -cortisol will be |
| increases to convert proteins to energy. Cortisol | | | | released to reduce inflammation by suppressing your |
| increases the sugar level to be used as our energy | | | | immune system. However, when there is chronic |
| source. This energy gives us strength to combat | | | | stress, too much cortisol will be released causes |
| stress. | | | | decrease multiplication of lymphocytes or white blood |
| The increase of cortisol level is a big help for our | | | | cells. This leaves the body deficient in immune cells, |
| body in acute stress. However, when stress become | | | | making the body vulnerable to foreign invaders such |
| chronic, there would be a consistent increase of | | | | as bacteria and viruses. |
| cortisol. The long term presence of high cortisol can | | | | High level of Cortisol also suppresses the production |
| be detrimental to health. | | | | of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) -precursor for |
| During stress, whether physical, emotional, intellectual, | | | | the reproductive hormones including estrogen, |
| or psychological stress; increase cortisol is produced. | | | | progesterone, and testosterone. |
| People tend to eat more because stress can increase | | | | Your health can be compromised because of the The |
| appetite leading to weight gain. Cortisol can send fat | | | | Effects of High Cortisol. Thus, Avoid stress and |
| to the stomach region for storage, depositing fats | | | | maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent excessive |
| mostly in abdominal area. | | | | cortisol in your body. |
| Excessive amount of cortisol has negative effects to | | | | |