Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is produced by the human body and is controlled by the brain. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, which is released when stress is experienced by an individual. In fact, cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and when cortisol is being produced, the blood sugar in the human body is grown. Cortisol forming in a high level is not positive for the individual, as it can have serious consequences on the individual’s health, suppressing the immune system by affecting the white blood cells, and decreasing bone formation. In such situations, treatments must be administrated with the purpose to reduce the cortisol level.

However, although cortisol production in the human body is a natural process, the steroid hormone can also be used to treat some serious conditions, including different allergies, rheumatoid diseases, but also Addison illness. For different skin issues a cure can found with the use of cortisol based products, including here eczema. Although cortisol is produced in the body as a reaction to stress and a low level of blood gluconeogenesis, the steroid hormone can also be used in anti stress conditions, as it stimulates gluconeogenesis. On the other hand, cortisol can also stop the release in the human body of some substances which can cause inflammation.

There is a certain level of cortisol contained in the human blood which is considered to be a normal one. That level of cortisol for an individual will be different during the day and this means that every individual will have a low level of cortisol in the midnight, compared to morning. When an abnormal level of cortisol is found at a certain individual, some linked conditions can be diagnosed. Such conditions include clinical depression, trauma conditions, psychological stress, fear, temperatures extremes, but also some more serious conditions like autism or the Asperger’s syndrome. When a higher than normal level of cortisol is being found, important physiological changes can be diagnosed, while different conditions can be formed. However, cortisol is also known to decrease and weaken the activity of the immune system, reducing bone formation and so favoring the forming of some related conditions. Osteoporosis is one of them. Cortisol also has some effects in creating memories of short terms emotional events.

Different treatments can be taken with the purpose to regulate the cortisol level in the human body. Some are needed when cortisol level must be reduced and here can be included supplements as magnesium, Omega 3 or Vitamin 3, but also music and massage therapy are well known to have positive effects in reducing the cortisol levels. Black tea is used by patients who are recovering from a cortisol linked condition.