Cortisol Basics: Navigating the Short-term and Chronic Effects
In our fast-paced society, stress has become an ever-present companion, arising from past traumas, work pressures, relationship dynamics, parenting challenges, and the relentless demand for task completion. As the saying goes, "if you don't plan or take the time to rest, your body will automatically do it for you."
Interestingly, not all stress is inherently negative. The term "eustress" refers to the normal physiological or psychological stress that can be highly beneficial to our system. Examples of eustress include cold water therapy, regular exercise, time-restricted eating, the excitement of meeting a friend, and the satisfaction of completing a task. These manageable levels of life stress contribute to enhancing our resilience.
So, what happens physiologically, and how is stress connected to various health conditions? When does a good thing turn detrimental?
The HPA-Axis Basics:
Let's break down another acronym—HPA: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal. This term describes the connection from the brain to the adrenal glands. The process involves the hypothalamus releasing a hormone signaling the pituitary gland to release another hormone, which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. The pathway looks like this:
Cortisol Physiological Functions:
Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," serves several crucial physiological functions:
Stimulates the liver to produce glucose (providing energy for the system)
Suppresses parts of the immune system
Prevents the loss of sodium in the urine
Maintains mood and emotional stability
Interacting with the HPA-axis is our autonomic nervous system, responsible for automatic bodily functions. This system consists of the parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight, flight, or freeze) components.
It's worth noting that our nervous system also regulates our circadian rhythm, which, in turn, controls our cortisol rhythm, underscoring the importance of quality sleep.
Chronic Cortisol Elevation: When Good Stress Turns Harmful
Continual production of excess cortisol can induce heightened adrenaline levels, particularly when the body remains in a constant sympathetic (fight or flight) state. Signs and symptoms of chronic stimulation and elevated cortisol include:
Fat deposits around organs
Hyptertension
Fatigue
Poor digestion & GI dysfunction
Sleep Disturbanes
Suppression of immune system
Memory loss
Depression
Anxiety and irritability
Increase in blood sugar, eventually leading to insulin issues
Chronic stimulation can also lead to low cortisol levels, manifesting as:
Similar signs and symptoms to elevated cortisol
Inability to cope with stress
Hypoglycemia
Diarrhea
Muscle pains and weakness
Salt cravings
Early onset perimenopause or menopause
Loss of libido
Memory loss/poor concentration
Taking Control: Practical Solutions
Understanding and managing adrenal function through cortisol requires a nuanced approach. If you're experiencing any of these issues or questioning your adrenal and nervous system function, stay tuned for practical solutions in upcoming posts. Alternatively, consider scheduling an appointment to explore an individualized approach tailored specifically to you.
Remember, when it comes to cortisol states, it's best to test, not guess. Visit my Lab Shop to order ZRT's Adrenal Stress Profile for factual data regarding your personal cortisol levels. Taking proactive steps towards a balanced cortisol response can pave the way for optimal well-being.
