Cortisol. Normal women age, hormone table ug / dl nmol / l. Increased, decreased, causes and consequences

Talk about the rate of cortisol, especially in women, it is difficult, because this hormone is very unstable. Its variations depend on the time of day, age-related changes, physical activity, the degree of aggression. There are many factors that increase or decrease its production and must be used to maintain health.

Cortisol - a stress hormone

Cortisol - a steroid hormone that helps the person to respond to the expression. It is called the "stress hormone" because it is involved in the development of the body's stress response. Steroid hormones - a category of biologically active substances, which are produced in the adrenal glands.

Cortisol is useful to man in the short term, but long-term stress, excessive production of it leads to a condition known medically as adrenal fatigue. Elevated levels of stress and, consequently, cortisol makes a person feel worn out, exhausted, leading to depression.

Cortisol (the rate in women over the age rarely changes), its level reaches its peak in the morning, around 8:00, which helps a person to feel in the morning healthy and active. The lowest peak production - about 3-4 hours in the morning.

How does cortisol in the human body?

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, located in the brain area, regulate the levels of cortisol. In the case of reducing the brain "gives the order to" strengthen the adrenal gland hormone production, and they begin to build up the amount of cortisol excreted. Cortisol levels - this is the main indicator of the functional activity of the adrenal glands.

Since most of the cells have their cortisol receptors, it affects many body functions:

• a hormone involved in metabolism;
• controls the level of sugar;
• It helps the body convert fats, proteins, carbohydrates into usable energy;
• It affects the balance of salt and water, thus controlling blood pressure;
• It plays a major role in the body's response to stress;
• It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action; at the cellular level, it inhibits the production and action of inflammatory cytokines;
• cortisol during pregnancy support the developing fetus.

Many doctors say that the main function of cortisol - to help the body cope with the alleged threats. But there is another side to the coin of cortisol production.

In case of excess, if not followed, after stress or physical activity discharge, possible disorders:

• development of diabetes, because glucose is not depleted, formed when the gain hormone production, leads to the development of steroid diabetes;
• obesity, because excess glucocorticoids cause an increase in appetite, a person involuntarily starts strongly has flour, sweet (this condition often occurs after stressful experiences);
• reduction in the number of leukocytes that, on the one hand, blocking allergic reactions, and on the other - helps slow the healing of wounds;
• inhibits the regulation of protein synthesis in tissues, splitting it into amino acids, while inhibiting female sinitez collagen, which leads to sagging, istonchonnoy skin, appearance of wrinkles;
• enhancement of production of gastric juice, which gives rise to gastric ulcers (constant stress contribute to this).

Norms of blood hormone in women over the age of

Women and men differ in response to stress. Recovering from experiences in men is much faster, and reduced glucocorticoid levels in a shorter period. Women after stress longer come back to normal hormone levels have decreased gradually, which affects their health.

Even more cortisol concentration occurs with age and working women with children.

Cortisol (the rate in women over the age of not much different from men) per day produced in the range of 15-30 mg. Morning rule occurs when peak production is 101-536 nmol / L, and part of the hormone dose is 80-478 nmol / l. During pregnancy, women have 2-5 fold increase in the level 3 trimester.

Studies have shown that working women have greatly increased levels of cortisol in the evening, when they need to perform more and homework. In men, low levels of the hormone is retained in the evening.

Norma cortisol in women by age:

age groups	The norm in the blood nmol / l	Free cortisol in the urine
Teenagers from 12 to 15 years	75 – 630	55-270 nmol / day
Adults 16 to 45 years	101 — 535	30 - 270 nmol / day
After 45 years	less than 130	35-300 nmol / day
pregnant	Exceeds a value of from 2 to 5 times the norm

The sharp increase in the hormone do not have a critical impact on health. After 1-2 hours after experiencing shock, hormone semisplitting surplus its inactivated by the liver and excreted in the urine.

Splash hormone levels often occurs at the time of injury, infection, operations, while reducing the level of glucose. Constantly vyysoky level within 552 nmol / L indicates the development of Cushing's syndrome. At higher concentrations of adrenal cancer is often diagnosed.

How to recognize the change in cortisol levels in women without analyzes?

External signs of a changed hormone levels in the blood:

• osteoporosis;
• high blood pressure;
• thinning of the skin, the appearance of stretch marks on its surface;
• weight loss or weight gain for no apparent reason, accompanied by lethargy, muscle weakness.

High cortisol levels indicate Cushing's syndrome, the symptoms of which include:

• obesity type of stomach;
• lunoobraznym round face;
• dorsal hump;
• increase in body fat in the back of the neck;
• thin and fragile skin, from poorly healing wounds;
• striae (stretch marks in red) on the stomach, chest, neck and hips.
• prekrnaschenie disorder or menstrual cycle;
• infertility;
• uvelimchenie hair growth on the face;
• frequently recurring thrush.

laboratory diagnosis

The test for cortisol, often carried out using a blood test. Samples are taken twice a day, morning and afternoon. As cortisol levels varies throughout the day, the physician needs to determine whether the hormone levels oscillate at an appropriate rate.

Carrying out the test using saliva has become popular in recent times, for that cortisol levels were measured 4 times a day.

Used form of testing by means of urine, which is collected in the urine within 24 hours. When diagnosing functional operation adrenal determined levels of free cortisol, this 100-130 ml is taken of the daily urine volume.

It is important that the doctor knew what drugs were applied to the test, because many of them lead to inaccurate results. Serum cortisol is determined by automated chemiluminescent immunoassay. The results of blood sampling are provided on the second day.

Preparation for analysis

Before blood sampling should be carried out fasting from 8 to 12 hours. During the day, you must give up the exercise, refrain from emotional experiences, cigarettes, alcohol, salty foods. Before any analysis of 30-40 min. It should be carried out in peace and quiet.

blood sampling

In the study on the analysis of cortisol levels is taken not later than 10 o'clock in the morning.

Venous blood sampling should not be performed after the X-ray, physiotherapy.

Performing an analysis time, decoding results

For samples taken before noon the results should be: 171-536 nmol / L. Taken after 17 hours: 64-327 nmol / L. The deadline for receipt of test results: 1-2 calendar days, with immediate execution: 3-5 hours.

Reduced cortisol relative to the norm

Disruptions to the endocrine system leading to a deficiency of cortisol.

The symptoms of its manifestations:

• lowering blood pressure;
• reduced emotional background;
• Disorder in the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting;
• failure of the menstrual cycle or lack thereof.

Causes

Addison's disease or chronic adrenal insufficiency, cortisol levels are always lowered.

The symptoms that accompany the disease:

• constant fatigue;
• sudden weight loss and appetite;
• pigmentation of the skin;
• hypoglycemia;
• low blood pressure;
• craving for salty food.

The reasons for lowering the levels of the hormone are most often:

• congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• tumor in the region of the brain;
• reception of barbiturates;
• receiving hormone antagonist preparations (ephedrine, dexamethasone ephedrine);
• abrupt withdrawal after long-term use of corticosteroids;
• cirrhosis, hepatitis.

Clinical manifestations

By reducing the levels of the hormone often develop muscle pain after physical exercise, microfractures in the muscles. It may be weight loss, which is often accompanied by fainting, headaches.

Some of the symptoms are not always associated with the disease:

• loss of appetite;
• lowering blood pressure;
• fatigue;
• mood swings;
• low blood sugar.

Increased levels of cortisol

Cortisol (the rate of women by age, state of health may rise in the autumn), its high level of danger excessive weight gain, irregular blood pressure, osteoporosis, disorders of the digestive process, increased levels of cholesterol.

The increased production of the hormone can be a sign of developing tumors, pituitary tumor, anorexia, diabetes.

Causes

Among the reasons in the first place are the internal disorders and diseases:

• lung cancer, stomach;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism;
• the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in females;
• uncompensated diabetes mellitus;
• hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex;
• hypoglycemia;
• obesity and depression.

External causes:

• chronic stress, which causes the body to produce more energy;
  
• diet, especially protein, fasting, which entails a reduction in glucose levels;
• excessive consumption of caffeine-containing products that can increase cortisol levels by 35%;
• chronic sleep deprivation;
• reception preparations which include atropine, cortisone, estrogens;
• acceptance of oral contraceptives;
• pregnancy;
• intense exercise.

evidence

The earliest warning signs of increased cortisol are changing taste. Strong hormone production influences on heart rate, increasing it.

Subsequently, other symptoms may appear:

• constant feeling of hunger;
• menstrual disorders;
• Evening edema of the hands and feet;
• the frequent appearance of blush on the cheeks;
• rashes, pigmentation of the skin;
• excessive hair growth on the face and body;
• many stretch marks on the skin;
• muscle weakness;
• constant feeling of drowsiness;
• lowered immunity, reflected in the frequent colds;
• anger, apathy, depression.

Prognosis and complications

Cortisol (the rate in women over the age often increases due to excessive secretion of the hormone) imzmenyaet work of adrenal glands.

This leads to the development of:

• high blood pressure;
• diabetes mellitus type 2;
• frequent infections;
• osteoporosis;
• muscle mass and strength loss.

Chronically elevated levels of the hormone cortisol is associated with deposition of fat in the body, bone loss, uhudshenimem memory infertility.

How to restore the balance of cortisol

simple rules should be followed to restore the balance of hormones that are fairly simple, but effective.

A low-carb diet

Proper nutrition - a direct way to restore hormonal balance. The diet should include low-fat digestible protein - eggs, milk, cheese, healthy fats.

Eating carbohydrates should be limited by including them instead of vegetables, especially green, fruit. Eat food that contains fiber, which allows you to quickly get enough and does not lead to excess weight. Eliminate harmful products: sugar, tonic drinks, flour products, fast food,

Supplements at elevated cortisol

To maintain a healthy brain function, use natural phospholipids. The drug Phosphatidylserine supports and restores nerve cells that reduces the level of stress hormones, improves memory, ability to concentrate.

Omega-3 fatty acids activate the brain, normalize the psychological state of the person is not allowed to develop chronic fatigue. Extract of Ginkgo biloba enhances brain activity, memory, dilates blood vessels, acts to reduce the level of the hormone.

Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, promotes proper exchange of fats, carbohydrates, stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.

sufficient hydration

The feeling of anxiety increases the heart rate accelerates respiration, resulting in loss of fluid. In times of stress a person drinks a lot of water, but the body can dehydrate. To achieve a balance hormone should drink plenty of fluid, adding to the drinking water, minerals or amino acids.

proper relaxation

Psychological techniques and practices allow to relax, cause feelings and thoughts in order, which has a positive effect on brain activity. And this, in turn, regulates the production of hormones. Meditation, acupuncture, breathing (diaphragmatic) exercises - all this will help to cope with any stress.

Sport load

Regular load exercise for 30-40 minutes. daily, increases the protective functions of the body. Half-hour jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing, all this is enough to restore the balance of cortisol.

adaptogens

Using adaptogenic herb helps relieve stress, strengthen and stabilize the body.

The most famous adaptogens:

• ginseng, corrects imbalance in the endocrine system including adrenal gland, improves pancreatic function and is effective when used aged 40 to 50 years;
  
• Rhodiola, reduces fatigue, restores the balance of sugar, is effective for depression;
• Siberian ginseng, It relaxes the arteries, increases stamina, strengthens the immune system, is used for chronic stress.

Alaptogeny help restore the levels of cortisol by supporting adrenal and pituitary glands. For relaxation you can use essential oils: lavender, bergamot, frankincense, which contain active ingredients that reduce the level of cortisol.

Sleep

Sleep should be at least 7-8 hours, if you can, then relax in the afternoon. Restful sleep is necessary to restore the balance of hormones. Cortisol and melatonin, a hormone that regulates periods of sleep and wakefulness, working in tandem. By lowering cortisol levels, melatonin begins to cause drowsiness.

In the dream, the low level of cortisol allows you to recover all cells. When cortisol levels increase, the cells can not be restored and the person wakes up in the morning with a feeling of fatigue and weakness.

Cortisol - the hormone cranky, often it goes out of control, for various reasons, so it is important to keep it normal, especially in women of all age groups. This will keep the skin tightened, good sleep, good mood.

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

Video of cortisol in women

Stress hormone cortisol, which is, and what rate: