Cortisol is an important hormone released in our body by the adrenal gland, which can be found on both our kidneys. As it is controlled by the adrenal cortex, it is also known as the adrenalcorticol hormone. Among the most important functions of cortisol, we can recall: maintaining blood pressure, stress management, immune system regulation and glucose conversion. Also, cortisol has anti-inflammatory benefits. So, cortisol has a primary role in increasing protein and fats breakdowns, and in inhibiting glucose uptakes. However, a high cortisol level can have negative consequences on every single level, meaning that it can affect all of our functions.
This is why it is important to learn some basic facts about the signs of increased cortisol levels. Firstly, an increased cortisol level can make anyone feel weak and tired. Moreover, a high cortisol level can lead to adrenal fatigue, which can have a disastrous impact on your sleeping habits and exercising capabilities. Thus, you will feel tired at all times and you will not have any desire to exercise. As the physical activity will be practically inexistent, you will gain weight. This is another common sign of an increased cortisol level. Also, the lack of activity will probably decrease your muscle mass too, depleting especially your skeletal muscles. On the other hand, your appetite will increase proportionally to the level of cortisol, so if you have cravings over night, this is definitely a sign of high cortisol levels. As an increased cortisol level is highly related to stress, this type of behavior has been associated with stress eating.
Last, but not least, perhaps one of the most worrying signs of increased cortisol levels is depression. All the aforementioned signs can mess with one’s mental health, so no wonder that depression strikes in. However, statistics show that an increased level of cortisol is also to blame for conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity and bone loss. So schedule a doctors appointment as soon as possible, and make sure that your cortisol level is normal.
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