Cortisol (its other name is hydrocortisone) is one of the hormones that our body produces in the adrenal cortex. Its role for health is difficult to overestimate. It helps us to adequately respond to stressful situations, regulates blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and fat breakdown. In periods difficult for humans, for example, during prolonged physical exertion, insufficient nutrition, or even hunger, this substance supplies muscles with energy. In addition, cortisol is a wonderful natural anti-inflammatory agent.
What is the norm of cortisol in the blood? What determines the level of cortisol and what does it affect? An interesting feature of this hormone is its inconstancy. In the morning, its content in the body is maximally reduced during the day, reaching a minimum level in the evening. In addition, serious physical activity, intense mental activity, as well as severe stress - these are the main reasons that can cause increased cortisol. The norm in women, taking into account all these fluctuations, is 140-600 nm / l.
If the level of cortisol in the body increases slightly as a result of stress, then this can even have some positive effect. Cortisol stimulates the body's ability to survive in difficult conditions: there is a surge of physical strength, brain activity is activated, and even immunity is enhanced. In general, psychologists use this positive effect on the whole organism in the treatment of various phobias, in this case cortisol acts as an adjuvant. But every coin has a flip side. If a person is under stress for a long time and constantly has increased cortisol, negative results will soon appear: chronic fatigue, memory impairment, inhibition of thyroid function, increased blood pressure - this is not a complete list of possible negative consequences of such a situation.
Violation of the cortisol content in the body can be detected by a blood test for hormones. The analysis will help to detect possible diseases. However, there is an exception - not only the disease can lead to an increase in cortisol. In addition to diurnal fluctuations in its content, as well as changes caused by various stresses on the body, pregnancy - this is what can cause increased cortisol. The norm in women during pregnancy increases by about 5 times. Another reason may be taking certain medications, including oral contraceptives.
Fans of protein diets will be interested to learn about another interesting phenomenon of cortisol. Adhering to a protein diet, many women believe that in this way they will be able to maintain harmony or lose extra pounds. However, a large amount of proteins in the body often leads to the very opposite result. Cortisol is growing, the norm in women is exceeded, which leads to a change in metabolism, while muscle mass is lost and fat accumulation begins. However, there are some tricks: if a small amount of carbohydrates enters the body at the same time as protein food, then the level of cortisol does not change.
In addition to all of the listed causes of changes in the level of cortisol, which are physiological in nature, there are also diseases in which cortisol changes. The norm in this case is significantly exceeded or, conversely, the hormone content decreases. The cause of an increase in the level of this substance may be diseases of the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, ovary, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and even AIDS. If you suspect that the level of cortisol in the body is increased or decreased, you should undergo an examination with an endocrinologist who will prescribe a blood test or urinalysis for cortisol. The norm in women, recall, may vary, but should remain in the range of 140-600 nm / l.