The Role of Cortisol: Getting to Know Our Hormones

Over the last few weeks we have learned about Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone and their role in our body.

Click the links for a review of each of the above hormones.

This week we are going to take a look at the role of cortisol and its effects on our body.

Cortisol is nicknamed the “Stress Hormone” and for a good reason. The primary role of cortisol is to assist us in our “fight or flight” response. It also has an affect on:

• Metabolism and blood sugar

• Immune and inflammation response

• Blood pressure regulation

• Forming memories

Interesting right?!

There are many benefits when it comes to cortisol in the short term but high levels of cortisol over a long period of time can have negative effects.

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys). Typically, cortisol is the highest in the mornings when we first wake up and then decreases as the day goes on. This helps us to be more alert in the mornings and more relaxed and ready for sleep in the evenings.

When cortisol is released, it helps to convert proteins, fats and carbohydrates into glucose to give us a burst of energy for our muscles and brain to use in response to stress (again think fight or flight). This is very important for survival but remember we discussed that high amounts of cortisol in our body for a long period of time has negative effects.

Being stressed for a long period of time (overproduction of cortisol) can lead to:

• Headaches

• Weight Gain (remember the glucose conversion, too much glucose in the blood gets stored as fat)

• Heart issues

• Sleep disturbances

• Memory and concentration difficulties

• Mood fluctuations

• Anxiety

This is why it is so important to have healthy behaviors when it comes to managing stress. A well balanced nutrition plan and exercise is essential for helping to manage stress and maintaining optimal cortisol levels. It’s also extremely important to get plenty of sleep and find activities that “fill your cup!”

At Shift Physical Therapy and Wellness we can help get you started on a great nutrition plan or fitness coaching plan to not only help you manage normal cortisol level but reach your wellness goals!

Written by: Jackie Giese, Physical Therapist Assistant, Fitness Nutrition Specialist