Cortisol( hydrocortisone) is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which:
- regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats;
- is responsible for immunomodulation of the body;
- activates the activity of the brain.
Psychologists give the name to this substance "stress hormone"
The role of the level of cortisol in the human body is enormous. There are daily biorhythms of this hormone secretion. In the morning hours, the highest concentration is observed, ranging from 140 to 640 nmol / l.
Clinical proven normal parameters:
| Age | Indicator, nmol / l |
| 0-1 | 28-966 |
| 1-5 | 28-718 |
| 5-10 | 28-1049 |
| 10-14 | 55-690 |
| 14-16 | 28-856 |
| 16-90 | 140-640 |
The hormonal balance of the body of a woman is extremely important, it is he who is responsible for the operation of all systems in general, in particular the genital function. The values of hydrocortisone during pregnancy are 4-5 times higher. That is why normal cortisol indices are of fundamental importance in women's health.
Causes of elevated cortisol level
Excess of normal indices in biochemical blood tests of a woman is acceptable during child bearing or under stress. Otherwise, it is an alarm signal about a violation in the endocrine system.
There are two causes of increased cortisol production by the adrenal glands:
- exogenous - the intake of hydrocortisone from the outside, for example, when taking medications, a diet containing an increased amount of proteins;
- is endogenous - a case where the adrenal cortex generates hormone in excess.
The human body is unique in its ability to self-repair. A robust healthy nervous system contributes to the uninterrupted process of restoring internal resources. Being in a state of constant stress undermines the self-healing mechanism due to the lack of development of a "stress hormone" that helps to adjust to the danger or threat that has arisen.
Signs of elevated cortisol content
- The occurrence of an overabundance of weight. Kilograms settle in specific areas: on the back, face, abdomen, chest.
- Muscle weakness.
- Lack of reproductive function. Insomnia and sleep disorders.
- Depression, apathy and mental disorders.
- Low working capacity.
- Decreased immunity, susceptibility to colds and infectious diseases.
- Pigmentation of lilac or burgundy color at the level of the abdomen and thighs.
- Digestive problems. The stress hormone affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. That's why, because of hormonal imbalance, there may be unpleasant sensations in the stomach and upset of the stool.
Elevated cortisol, found in a blood or urine test, always indicates the presence of a disease associated with endocrine disorders:
- malignant and benign adrenal tumors;
- diabetes mellitus;
- acromegaly;
- fever;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- AIDS;
- liver disease.
Also, the excess of hydrocortisone is observed with alcoholic intoxication, smoking, taking a number of contraceptives.
Causes of a lowered cortisol
A decrease in the hormone in the body also indicates a malfunction in its systems. Symptoms of reduced cortisol are similar to those of elevated cortisol. In both cases, intervention of specialists, selection of therapy is required.
Insufficient production of adrenals hydrocortisone may be associated with the use of magnesium-containing drugs, excessive use of black tea, hypotension, the use of prednisolone or dexamethasone. Low hormone levels indicate the presence of diseases in the body:
- liver cirrhosis;
- inadequate hormone secretion;
- pathology of the pituitary and adrenal cortex.
Methods for revealing the level of cortisol
Competently and available about how to properly monitor for the state of the hormone in the body, explains the endocrinologist. Usually, this is the observance on the eve of the following rules:
- rejection of estradiol and opiate-containing drugs;
- rejection of oral contraceptives;
- rejection of tobacco and alcohol;
- reduced physical activity.
The content of hydrocortisone in the body is determined by a biochemical blood test. The fence is carried out from the vein in the morning hours( from 6 to 9 am). In some cases, the analysis is performed twice a day to track dynamic changes in hormone levels. A competent interpretation of the diagnostic blood test will reveal pathologies and disorders in the functioning of the adrenal and pituitary gland.
To get a detailed picture of the hormonal state, it makes sense to pass urine to the study for the content of free cortisol in it.
Prevention and treatment of
It is not recommended to take medications independently, even if there are any abnormalities in hydrocortisone when analyzing blood. Only a specialist can prescribe competent therapy, prescribe additional examinations, prescribe food or biological supplements.
For prevention purposes, it is enough to lead a healthy lifestyle, try to keep a cool balance, get more positive, make a diet for proper nutrition, a visit to the gym or pool will have a beneficial effect on the state of the endocrine system as a whole.
