Cortisol Hormone
Cortisol is a very important hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is produced in response to physical or mental stress. For example, sleep deprivation is very stressful on the human brain and body. To deal with this stress, the adrenal glands increase production of cortisol. Elevated levels makes us more alert and awake, which is helpful in stressful situations but to much can also hurt us over time.
Chronic elevation can result in:
- Increase belly fat
- Inability to lose weight
- Hyperglycemia
- Diabetes
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
This is what sets up a vicious cycle. Chronic elevation in cortisol (such as chronic sleep deprivation or untreated sleep apnea or stressful relationships at home/work) can result in adrenal fatigue. Worked too long and too hard, the adrenal glands get burned out and then starts producing too little cortisol, resulting in adrenal fatigue symptoms; fatigue, sleepiness, lack of stamina, decreased libido, ED, hair loss, mood swings, cravings, etc.
Some ways to correct levels are by:
- Reduce Stress
- Improve Sleep
- Lower Sugar Intake
- Certain Supplementation
KEY POINT:
Please note that blood level testing is not designed to pick up small fluctuations in Cortisol level and is only calibrated to pick up severe fluctuation seen in Cushing’s Disease (very high) and Addison’s Disease (very low).
Dr.Zacco checks both blood and saliva levels because saliva testing to pick up small changes. Also, saliva testing can be done 24/7 at home. This approach shows your levels as they occur through out the day and give a better indication of how your hormone is optimized.