Cortisol can be called the main hormone from the group of glucocorticoids. Normally, it is always present in the blood. Cortisol binds to blood proteins and takes up about 90% of all hormones that the adrenal cortex produces. About 10% of the remaining hormones "float" in the blood in a free form. Such cortisol does not participate in any processes; it is simply excreted from the body through the kidneys.
Cortisol - what is it?
The carrier protein of cortisol in the blood can be albumin or corticosteroid-binding globulin. Besides the fact that proteins transport cortisol, they are also a place for its storage. Having formed in the liver, the carrier protein picks up cortisol, and then delivers it to the cells that need it. If there was no need for cortisol, it gets into the liver, where it is transformed into water-soluble metabolites. They no longer possess the properties of hormones and are eliminated from the body through the kidneys.
Cortisol is involved in metabolic processes, it regulates carbohydrate metabolism in the body. It is this hormone that is responsible for the activation of gluconeogenesis, that is, for the formation of glucose from other substances that do not contain carbohydrates, but have an energy potential. For example, such substances include: pyruvate, lactate, free amino acids, glycerol. This property of cortisol helps the body continue to function if it is hungry. Glucose level does not fall below the marginal rate precisely because of this hormone. Cortisol protects people from stress, so he even got a second name - "stress hormone."
Cortisol is needed by the body, since it performs the following functions:
Participates in the metabolism of proteins, reducing the production of protein in the cells and stimulating catabolic processes.- It affects the level of calcium and sodium in the blood.
- Does not allow cells to consume too much sugar, increasing its concentration in the blood. If cortisol levels rise, it can lead to the development of steroid diabetes.
- It promotes the breakdown of fats, increases the level of free fatty acids, which makes it possible to provide the body with enough energy.
- Takes part in the normalization of blood pressure.
- Contributes to the removal of inflammation, stabilizes cell lysosome membranes, reduces the permeability of vascular walls, affects the immune system.
Participates in the metabolism of proteins, reducing the production of protein in the cells and stimulating catabolic processes.Norma cortisol
For women
Blood levels of cortisol can vary throughout the day. Check the level of the hormone in the morning before lunch. If you do not take into account adolescence, then in adulthood in humans, this hormone should be approximately at the same level. In a woman, the rate of the hormone depends on whether she is pregnant or not.
The rate of cortisol, depending on the woman's age:
- 12-15 years - 130-400 nmol / l;
- 16-38 years old - 130-600 nmol / l;
- 40-55 years - less than 130 nmol / l.
Small jumps at different periods of life and days are acceptable, in some cases the rate may be exceeded. For example, physical exertion, stress can increase the content of this hormone. If such situations are short-lived, a decrease in the level of the hormone will soon be noticeable.
The daily rate of cortisol in the blood of women is in the range of 138-638 nmol / l. If for some reason it is impossible to take samples of cortisol in the morning, this can be done before lunch. But in this case it is necessary to take into account the error. The minimum deviation threshold is 65 nmol / l. In the upper limit, deviations can reach 320 nmol / l. By comparing the level of the hormone during the day, you can determine the most accurate indicators, if we consider the data by the hour.
During pregnancy
When carrying a fetus in the female body changes hormones. However, identified indicators that ensure the normal development of the fetus.
The data is as follows:
- first trimester: the minimum value - 210 nmol / l, the maximum - 392 nmol / l;
- second trimester: the minimum value - 390 nmol / l, the maximum - 532 nmol / l;
- third trimester: the minimum value is 375 nmol / l, the maximum value is 923 nmol / l.
For men
In men, the content of the hormone also depends on the time of blood sampling, age differentiation is more pronounced than in women. For example, in young people, hormone levels may be slightly higher at puberty. The norm for adolescence of 14-16 years is 28-150 nmol / l.
In the future, indicators should decline. After 16 years, cortisol levels between 140 and 635 nmol / L are considered the norm. At the same time it is important to remember about exercise. When playing sports, hard physical work, the level of cortisol can be elevated.
For kids
During growing up, the rate of this hormone changes significantly. In infancy, his level is much lower than in adolescence. And then comes the stabilization of the hormone level. Each age period has its own indicators:
- Up to 1 year: the minimum value is 30 nmol / l, the maximum value is 966 nmol / l.
- From 1 to 5 years: the minimum value is 30 nmol / l, the maximum value is 718 nmol / l.
- From 5 to 10 years: the minimum value is 30 nmol / l, the maximum value is 1049 nmol / l.
- From 10 to 14 years: the minimum value - 55 nmol / l, the maximum - 690 nmol / l.
- From 14 to 16 years: the minimum value - 140 nmol / l, the maximum - 635 nmol / l.
Symptoms and causes of elevated cortisol
An increase in this hormone is usually manifested in mood swings. The person usually becomes irritable, restless, and a depressed state may occur. If there is an increased capriciousness, a deterioration in mood — something that has not happened before — it is recommended to check cortisol levels.
Signs of increased cortisol in women are more common, as the hormonal level changes during the menstrual cycle. In addition, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract can be attributed, since cortisol influences the amount of enzymes for digesting food. It lowers their level, which leads to a deterioration in the absorption of nutrients and minerals.
Almost always, this condition is accompanied by stress. Also, an increase in cortisol in the blood may be accompanied by increased pressure. The increase itself can be associated with difficult life situations or difficult periods. After some time, if you do not begin treatment, hypertension may develop, which often provokes various cardiovascular pathologies.
Another symptom is sleep disturbance. In the normal state in the morning there is the most elevated concentration of cortisol in the blood, which helps to stay awake in the early hours. But if there is a hormonal failure, then during the awakening level may remain low. Weight gain is another unpleasant symptom.
Due to the increase in cortisol, the appetite also increases, and at that time you want sweet and other high-calorie foods. All this ultimately leads to a set of extra pounds. Everything else, a feature of cortisol is that it counteracts the collection of muscle mass, that is, leads to obesity.
Elevated levels of cortisol in women can manifest more rapid aging of the skin, while the body loses a large amount of water.
Causes of an increase in the hormone in women
The increase in cortisol in the blood of women can be caused by the following reasons:
- severe depression, accompanied by emotional outbursts;
- too frequent use of alcoholic beverages;
- use of steroid drugs;
- failure of the adrenal glands;
- constant stress.
When it comes to difficult cases, the reasons can be complex. The fact is that with a temporary increase in the content of this hormone within a few days, the level can normalize, especially with the elimination of the root cause.
If a woman has a disease that, in combination with stress, goes into depression, or if she is abusing alcohol or taking hormonal drugs, then the pathology can turn into a chronic form.
In addition to the main symptoms, there are also additional ones, but they do not occur at all. For example, some note periodic pain in the back caused by overstrain during exercise or improper body position during sleep.
Effect of cortisol on immunity
Cortisol reduces immunity, which makes the body more susceptible to infections. Also, an elevated level of this hormone often leads to the appearance of hair on the face, namely, small antennae or a gun.
Also on the increased level of the hormone can talk pink and purple stretch marks. All these symptoms have one feature: they do not appear immediately. For example, irritability and increased appetite occur earlier. The remaining manifestations indicate that cortisol levels have been elevated for a long time.
Features of treatment with hormone jumps
If we talk about therapy, doctors do not always recommend using hormonal drugs, as in each case, an individual approach is needed. May be appointed by a specialized food, taking anti-stress vitamins. You also need to remember about exercise, because they help get rid of stress, normalize the body.
How to lower cortisol levels?
If the body has increased the level of this hormone, it can have serious consequences, especially for women's health. First of all, you need to remember about proper nutrition. It is necessary to exclude from the diet drinks, which include caffeine, because their use can cause an increase in the level of the hormone by 25-30%. The same applies to strong tea.
Refusal from such drinks improves the condition literally in 2 weeks. Also, cortisol levels can be reduced by normalizing sleep. Moderate exercise also stabilizes hormones: exercise, exercise, cycling - all this will help the body to calm down and get rid of stress.
Another way is to control sugar intake. Unfortunately, the increased craving for sweets complicates the situation. A healthy diet will stabilize the state of the body, as well as improve hormones. Be sure to drink as much water as possible to remove the risk of skin dehydration.
To reduce the level of the hormone in serious cases, drugs called anti-catabolics, or cortisol blockers, are used. They reduce the secretion of the hormone, inhibiting its activity.
The following drugs are most commonly used:
- ascorbic acid;
- omega-3 fatty acid complex;
- Relor food supplement;
- fish fat;
- cortisol synthesis inhibitors;
- lecithin;
- coenzyme Q10;
- vitamins of group C;
- drugs with antioxidants, as well as supplements, which include vitamins of group B, zinc, magnesium and calcium.
Reducing cortisol in men with folk remedies
The following methods will help reduce the level of cortisol in the blood, without resorting to pills:
- Pink Rhodiola. It can relieve stress even in the most difficult situations. Also, pink Rhodiola improves the stability of the nervous system. The herb affects the adrenal glands, helping to normalize hormone production.
- Hypericum Contributes to stress relief. Take it in the form of tinctures.
- Eleutherococcus. This herb has a complex effect, because it allows you to eliminate the causes that lead to the occurrence of stress. Eleutherococcus stimulates the nervous system, increases efficiency. But it is necessary to strictly follow the dosages, so that there is no opposite effect.
- Licorice. This plant has a positive effect on the work of the adrenal glands, helps to reduce cortisol.
- Gingko biloba. Reception of this plant should be carried out within six months. Gingko biloba has a complex effect. In addition to reducing cortisol levels, improves brain function, strengthens veins and increases efficiency.
Causes of Low Cortisol
It is important to remember that the lack of this hormone in the body of men and women can also be harmful to health. The level of cortisol should be normal, only in this case the harmonious work of the body is ensured. The main symptoms of lowered cortisol include: chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, a sharp weight loss, fainting in women, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, weakness, muscle pain, decreased libido, hair loss.
As you can see, the lack of this hormone is no less harmful than its excess. Also, with a decrease in cortisol in the blood of women, the menstrual cycle may change, first there are failures, then the cycle becomes unstable. If you do not take any measures, the monthly ones will stop altogether, which will cause the reproductive function to be impaired.
Among women
The most common causes of lowering cortisol levels in women are pathological conditions. This can be a consequence of a serious illness, or a side effect after injuries, taking drugs or any substances.
Among the main reasons are:
- disruption of the pituitary gland;
- drug use for a long time;
- activation of thyroid hormone production, which may be accompanied by hormonal disruption;
- taking medications;
- genetic pathology, hereditarily transmitted to the child.
Ways to Increase Cortisol
The first thing to do is identify the cause. After the tests, the doctor will prescribe treatment. When using drugs, replacement therapy is most often prescribed. Today it is one of the most popular options.
Specialists prescribe corticosteroids to patients, and they cannot be taken alone, but only after consulting a doctor. During treatment, you should regularly check the level of hormone. Despite the popularity of this method, it has a drawback. For example, during the medication period, there may be sudden mood swings, and weight may also increase.
In addition to the above method, the treatment of lowered cortisol can be carried out with the help of injections. True, a similar procedure is prescribed only in case of a critical decrease in the hormone. But if cortisol is at a minimum level, then even the smallest stress can cause negative consequences, including death.
If a decrease in cortisol caused adrenal dysfunction, then first of all you need to restore their work. There are also non-pharmacological treatments. One of the popular options is mood control through yoga and meditation.
Classes allow you to avoid stressful situations, to bring the nervous system in order, which will positively affect the life of the whole organism. It is necessary to avoid getting enough sleep. Regular night rest for 6-8 hours will restore cortisol levels. Nutrition is another important factor.
It is necessary to exclude flour and sweet from the diet, add more fruits and vegetables to the menu. You can also begin to consume wholegrain products, which will have a positive effect on overall health. Despite the complexity of treatment, only in isolated cases the situation can lead to complications.
Folk remedies to enhance
If the deviations from the norm are not very large, then you can try to solve the problem with the help of popular methods. But also their reception needs to be coordinated with the attending physician. The most popular means include:
- Licorice. For brewing, you must use the root of the plant per 1 liter of water 4 teaspoons of licorice root. The drink should infuse for several hours. It is taken in 100 ml 4 times a day.
- Eleutherococcus. Take this tincture in a diluted form at the rate of 30 drops per 200 ml of water. Take three times a day for half an hour before meals.
- Salt. A very simple remedy for increasing cortisol in the blood. You should not consume too much, but you can increase the daily rate to 15 mg per day. At the expense of it the need for the use of water increases.
- Black mustard. Exotic, but effective means. Just add a little black mustard to your food.
What foods contain cortisol?
It is very important to change your diet by including foods that will help boost this hormone. One of the main fruits is grapefruit, as it contains substances that block the enzymes that destroy cortisol in the body. Use one grapefruit per day. It is also necessary to pay attention to other citrus fruits.
Fish oil has a universal effect, because it helps to stabilize the work of the adrenal glands. With reduced cortisol, fish oil can be consumed either in pure form or by eating large amounts of seafood. Beans will also help to cope with this problem.
These include beans, lentils, peas, and so on.
How to test for cortisol?
When all of the above symptoms appear, it is necessary to pass tests. If after receiving the results a deviation from the norm was found, the doctor will determine the method of treatment. Однако прежде чем сдавать анализ на кортизол, необходимо знать все особенности данной процедуры, чтобы ничто не повлияло на достоверность результатов. Также важна подготовка к процедуре.
Стоит следовать нескольким простым правилам:
- Уменьшить или полностью отказаться от занятий спортом за 2 дня до сдачи анализа, поскольку это может стать причиной серьезного скачка кортизола в организме.
- Избегать стрессовых ситуаций, поскольку психологический негатив повышает кортизол в крови.
- Перед сдачей анализов не стоит курить, употреблять алкогольные напитки как минимум сутки.
- Сдавать кровь необходимо утром, поскольку норма кортизола определяется именно в данный период.
- Ряд медикаментов может оказать влияние на содержание кортизола в крови, поэтому перед их применением необходимо пройти консультацию с подходящим специалистом.
Также на результат оказывает влияние питание. По этой причине врачи настоятельно рекомендуют сдавать анализы на голодный желудок. У женщин ситуация обстоит чуть иначе, чем у мужчин, поскольку у них есть свои особенности. Например, уровень гормона зависит от того, беременна женщина или нет, от фазы цикла.
Соответственно, анализы нужно сдавать в удобное время, обязательно фиксировать начало менструации, чтобы определить фазу. Также помните, что пероральные контрацептивы в ряде случаев могут повлиять на уровень гормона.
