Cortisol is one of the most important hormones produced by the adrenal glands in stressful conditions. It is necessary for brain activity, support of metabolism, pressure, sugar level.
With the active development of this hormone there is a sense of anxiety, a person can start gaining excess weight, there may be muscle catabolism, which in itself should cause a decrease in cortisol in the blood.
Maintaining normal hormone levels has a beneficial effect on the health of men and women, ensuring a calm and relaxed state.
Causes of abnormalities
High levels of cortisol in the blood are not normal, except for stress, feelings and anxiety. In such conditions, there is an increased formation of a hormone.
A number of causes have been identified, directly or indirectly, to increase the concentration in the blood of this substance:
- A chronic state of stress that leads to intensive production of hormones in the body in order to mobilize its hidden resources. Such conditions lead to a constant increase in the level of the stress hormone in the blood.
- A feeling of hunger leading to a lack of glucose, which also serves as a catalyst for ejection of cortisol, for example, when women are on diets.
- A cup of coffee provokes a release of cortisol and leads to an increase in its concentration in the blood by about 30%.
- Physical stress, immersing the body in a state of stress, the reaction to which is the formation of cortisol. The longer and more intensive the load, the higher the concentration of the hormone.
Any of the described reasons or a combination of them to some extent affects the development of the disease, but can not be considered an excuse for their complete avoidance.
Symptoms of
Before you start worrying about high blood levels of the stress hormone, you should identify the reasons. Determine the high concentration of the hormone under the force of a highly skilled specialist after carrying out a number of specific tests for the purpose of treatment.
It is also possible to detect cortisol levels at home, paying attention to some of the symptoms that signal high levels of the blood stress hormone:
- Rapid and uncontrolled weight gain. If you carefully monitor the quality and quantity of food, follow a healthy diet, the weight begins to grow, the probability that the level of cortisol is high is high.
- Increased and unexplained nervousness. Every person has a negative mood, but unmotivated breakdowns on close people should make you think, since this hormone is responsible for the body's reaction to external stimuli and nervous state.
- Rapid heart rate. High concentration of cortisol provokes narrowing of the vessels, which leads to an increase in heart rate and pulse. If the periodic measurement of the pulse is marked by its constant increase, the main cause may be a high content of the stress hormone.
- Depression and chronic sleep disorders. With increased cortisol content, chronic depression develops, sleep worsens.
- Decreased libido, leading to a significant deterioration in potency in men.
- Abnormal gastrointestinal function. Cortisol leads to a deterioration in the digestion of food, the onset of colitis, bloating, and the like.
- Increased sweating and frequent urination.
It should be noted that all the above symptoms, which are equally characteristic for both men and women, should not serve as an excuse for self-treatment. There is a high probability that self-medication can lead to even more disastrous results.
Reduction of cortisol level
With a precise and definitive determination of the presence of such an ailment, the question arises as to how to lower the level of cortisol. After carrying out of examinations and analyzes, the doctor will select methods of treatment, capable to normalize a hormonal fund and to reduce probability of development of more dangerous diseases.
In addition to drug treatment, there are a number of ways to significantly reduce the concentration of the hormone in the blood:
- Positive mood. Laughter and good spirits are among the simplest and most effective ways to reduce cortisol and without medication treatment.
- Organization of healthy and proper nutrition. Reduction of cortisol is possible with a special diet, implying inclusion in the diet of foods with low glycemic index, the content of healthy fats, refraining from taking hot drinks, coffee and other stimulants of stress. One of the most popular and effective products is fish oil.
- Observance of calm in all situations, which is especially important for women. Elimination of high levels of cortisol is impossible without avoiding stresses, which are considered the main cause of the sharp production of the hormone by the adrenal glands. For this, it will be enough to try to be less nervous.
- Physical activity limitations. It is necessary for sick men and women to reduce the time and intensity of physical labor up to an hour a day. This will lead to a significant decrease in the critical level of cortisol with its chronic elevated blood levels.
Thus, to lower the level of this hormone it is possible and without treatment with medicinal preparations. To do this, you need only to observe the correct diet and try to avoid stressful situations.
