Cortisol : Stress's Silent Messenger

These days, "cortisol," or "corticosteroid," a hormone, is gaining popularity in health and lifestyle news. Reports indicating its elevated levels among the young generation are largely attributed to lifestyle diseases, like diabetes.  A major adverse effect of a significantly advanced world is the fast-paced nature of modern life. It poses major challenges for our mental and physical health to adapt. It probably existed in every generation. Although today's world possesses many challenges, it has also given us many advancements. We are so advanced in the medical sciences that today we know that this hormone does play a part in stress. Stress is considered a major contributor to elevated cortisol levels. Let's understand why. Our bodily functions are controlled by the brain, certain functions are controlled by secretions by various endocrine glands at the command of our brain. These secretions are known as hormones. Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands, is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, under the brain's command. This coordination ensures the proper functioning of the adrenal glands, positioned atop the kidneys, ready to respond to various hormonal commands. The major function of cortisol is to increase glucose levels in the blood, trying its best to boost energy to combat stress; hence, it is called a glucocorticoid hormone. It suppresses inflammation and controls muscle, fat, and liver metabolism, all in response to the brain's response to external stress.  Cortisol is a steroid in chemical structure. And steroids are not just drugs or something we hear a lot about in sports news; they are naturally produced in the body as a few hormones, one of which is cortisol. Whether the body's own steroid or a steroid for medical purposes, steroids are life-saving in moderation and harmful in excess. When the body is exposed to an excessive amount of steroids for an extended period, it can be particularly detrimental.

The release of this hormone is a normal bodily function to a certain extent, just like other hormones. Excess cortisol in the body is sometimes due to rare conditions like tumors in the hypothalamus, pituitary, or adrenal, which require serious medical attention. The excess cortisol condition is known as Cushing’s syndrome, which causes severe symptoms.  Milder forms of cortisol excess can manifest as weight gain, especially in the visceral region. Mental health deterioration symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Other symptoms include thinning of the hair and skin, dryness of the skin, and lethargy. When people experience these unexplained symptoms, they may undergo a general blood test and may find slightly elevated blood glucose levels. Instead of immediately worrying about full-blown diabetes, since even high cortisol levels heighten blood sugar levels,. Try a more routine day-to-day lifestyle; if it works, then you know you can control your cortisol level without medications. Prioritizing proper sleep, improving basic nutrition, and getting into any physical activity that suits the individual. The major remedy is identifying the source of stress and addressing it accordingly. In fact, psychological counseling is paramount in certain situations. If basic lifestyle changes aren't working well to combat the symptoms and there hasn't been a significant change in blood sugar levels, and undoubtedly, if your blood glucose is way off the charts, you need an immediate consultation from an endocrinologist. In the 21st century, all we can do is try to put our health a little above our priorities. Although stress is inevitable, we must know that prioritizing health in the long run will ultimately lead to a better society.