What is the purpose of cortisol in the human body?

Answer 1

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:

*Proper glucose metabolism
*Regulation of blood pressure
*Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence
*Immune function
*Inflammatory response

Normally, it’s present in the body at higher levels in the morning, and at its lowest at night. Although stress isn’t the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream, it has been termed “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.

Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects:

*A quick burst of energy for survival reasons
*Heightened memory functions
*A burst of increased immunity
*Lower sensitivity to pain
*Helps maintain homeostasis in the body

While cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, it’s important that the body’s relaxation response to be activated so the body’s functions can return to normal. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the body’s stress response is activated so often that functioning often doesn’t have a chance to return to normal, producing chronic stress.

Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:


*Impaired cognitive performance
*Suppressed thyroid function
*Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
*Decreased bone density
*Decrease in muscle tissue
*Higher blood pressure
*Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, as well as other health consequences

Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes, the development of , higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!

To keep cortisol levels healthy and under control, the body’s relaxation response should be activated after the fight or flight response occurs. You can learn to relax your body with various stress management techniques, and you can make lifestyle changes in order to keep your body from reacting to stress in the first place. The following have been found by many to be very helpful in relaxing the body and mind, aiding the body in maintaining healthy cortisol levels:

*Guided Imagery
*Journaling
*Self-Hypnosis
*Exercise
*Yoga
*Listening to Music
*Breathing Exercises
*Meditation
*Sex
*Other Techniques

Cortisol secretion varies among individuals. People are biologically ‘wired’ to react differently to stress. One person may secrete higher levels of cortisol than another in the same situation. Studies have also shown that people who secrete higher levels of cortisol in response to stress also tend to eat more food, and food that is higher in carbohydrates than people who secrete less cortisol. If you’re more sensitive to stress, it’s especially important for you to learn stress management techniques and maintain a low-stress lifestyle.

Answer 2

Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that is involved in the response to stress; it increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, may cause infertility in women, and suppresses the immune system. In pharmacology, cortisol is referred to as hydrocortisone, and is used to treat allergies and inflammation. When first introduced as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it was referred to as Compound E.

Full info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

Answer 3

Its a very important hormone and without it you will die. Its produced by the adrenal glands (which are stimulated by the pituitary) in response to physical or emotional stress. It gives your body the extra energy it needs to deal with stress and to pump your heart.

Answer 4

Purpose Of Cortisol

Answer 5

to calm you when your sympathetic nervous system goes into fight or flight mode.