Cortisol
The adrenal glands are two pyramid-shaped glands, about 3.0 cm wide, 5.0 cm high and 3.0 cm thick, located at the top of each kidney.
Cortisol is a hormone produced in these glands with a role in reducing inflammation, controlling stress, regulating the immune system, maintaining serum glucose levels and blood pressure.
Daily levels vary according to the circadian cycle, where in the 24-hour period a person usually sleeps approximately 8 hours and stays awake for 16 hours.
Thus, basal blood cortisol levels are generally higher in the morning upon waking (5 to 23 mcg / dL) and then decrease over the course of the day to 3 to 16 mcg / dL.
Cortisol is transported most of the time linked to a specific plasma carrier protein called transcortine, but it can also be transported linked to albumin or circulate in its free form.
Risk factors:
 Stress from an internal source.
 Stress from an external source.
 Depressive disorders.
 Anxiety disorder.
 Physical disability.
Abdominal Abdominal obesity.
 Insomnia.
 Cortisol-producing tumor.
 Increased size of the adrenals.
 Autoimmune diseases.
 Infiltrative diseases of the gland, such as tuberculosis or mycoses.
Signals and symptons:
High Cortisol:
 Loss of muscle mass.
 Weight gain.
 Osteoporosis.
Escolar School difficulty.
 Low growth.
 Decrease in testosterone.
 Memory lapses.
 Increased liquid intake.
Aci Polaciuria.
 Decreased libido.
Irregular Irregular menstruation.
Low Cortisol:
 Fatigue.
 Tiredness.
 Weakness.
 Sudden craving for sweets.
 Depression.
The diagnosis is made through history, physical examination and mainly by blood, urinary or salivary cortisol examination. It can also be complemented by images, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
KNOW MORE:
Cortisol is not stored in the glands, the release is made according to the needs of the body.
High or low cortisol levels are not always indicative of diseases, as they may be altered due to heat, the presence of infections, insomnia, among others.
Individuals who work at night these levels are reversed.
The practice of regular physical activities helps in the control.
Decrease your caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially at night.
Try to sleep 8 hours every night.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
Increase your intake of vitamin C.
High cortisol can cause so-called Cushing’s Syndrome, with rapid weight gain, with accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, hair loss and oily skin.
When it is low and with symptoms of abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, skin spots and dizziness, especially when standing up, it may indicate that the individual has Addison’s disease.