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Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. The function of cortisol is to help the body control stress, reduce inflammation, contribute to the functioning of the immune system and keep blood sugar levels constant, as well as blood pressure.
Cortisol levels in the blood vary during the day because they are related to daily activity and serotonin, which is responsible for the sensation of pleasure and well-being. Thus, the levels of basal cortisol in the blood are generally higher in the morning upon waking, from 5 to 25 µg / dL, and then decrease throughout the day to values below 10 µg / dL, and in people who work at night the levels are reversed.
High cortisol in the blood can cause symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, weight gain or decrease in testosterone or be indicative of problems, such as Cushing's Syndrome, for example.
Low cortisol can cause symptoms of depression, tiredness or weakness or be indicative of problems, such as Addison's disease, for example.
High cortisol: what happens
High cortisol can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Loss of muscle mass;
- Weight increase;
- Increased chances of osteoporosis;
- Difficulty in learning;
- Low growth;
- Decrease in testosterone;
- Memory lapses;
- Increased thirst and frequency of urination;
- Decreased sexual appetite;
- Irregular menstruation.
High cortisol may also indicate a condition called Cushing's Syndrome, which causes symptoms such as rapid weight gain, with accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, hair loss and oily skin. Learn more about Cushing's Syndrome.
How to treat high cortisol
The treatment to lower cortisol can be done with medications prescribed by the doctor, in addition to other ways to naturally control the excess of cortisol in the blood, which are exercising regularly, having a healthy diet increasing the consumption of vitamin C and decreasing the consumption of caffeine. See the main causes of high cortisol and how treatment is done.
Low cortisol: what happens
Low cortisol can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Depression;
- Fatigue;
- Tiredness;
- Weakness;
- Sudden desire to eat sweets.
Low cortisol may also indicate that the person has Addison's disease, which causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, skin spots and dizziness, especially when standing up. Learn more about Addison's disease.
How to assess cortisol levels
The cortisol test is indicated to assess cortisol levels and can be done using a blood, urine or saliva sample. The reference values for cortisol levels in the blood are:
- Morning: 5 to 25 µg / dL;
- End of the day: less than 10 µg / dL.
If the result of the cortisol test is altered, it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist to identify the cause and start treatment as soon as possible, if necessary, because high or low cortisol levels are not always indicative of disease, as they can altered due to heat or the presence of infections, for example. Learn more about the cortisol exam.