Cortisol

Cortisol is made in the adrenal glands and is considered a catabolic hormone. This means that it breaks down tissue as part of the normal cycle of remodeling. It is considered the 'stress hormone' and may modulate immune function, raise blood glucose, and store fat for energy.
Cortisol may also displace progesterone from its receptor site and cause symptoms of estrogen dominance. Cortisol suppresses production of testosterone by competing with it at the DNA level.

Cortisol Excess: "Wired but Tired"

In excess, Cortisol may complicate or cause the following:

Stress

Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death: cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. 43% of all adults suffer stress-related adverse health effects and 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints or disorders. An estimated 1 million workers are absent each day with stress related complaints, resulting in more than 25 billion workdays lost annually because of absenteeism.

Effects of Stress

Stress may increase blood pressure, heart rate, heart contraction, blood flow to active muscles, muscular strength, mental activity and metabolic rate. At the same time stress may decrease blood flow to areas not needed for rapid activity, such as the kidneys and intestines. It may dilate pupils and bronchial tubes, release glucose from the liver, shunt blood from the gastrointestinal (GI) system and decrease the function of the immune system.

Mental Effects of Prolonged Stress

Stress directly affects our mental health. Prolonged stress may lead to metal fatigue and a loss of spontaneity and creativity, as well as confusion, including forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions. Stress also may cause anxiety including feelings of panic, tension, frustration, irritability, anger, resentment, depression, decreased feelings of self worth, decreased intellectual functioning and boredom.

Social Ramifications of Prolonged Stress

The social implications of stress may include loss of health, love, position, and security. Prolonged stress may lead to procrastination (avoiding responsibilities at work and home), lack of concern for others (which may result in deterioration of relationships), reduced effectiveness in communication (including an inability to listen to others), emotional hypersensitivity with a tendency to overreact to others, or feelings of isolation and alienation with a tendency toward suppression of feelings resulting in withdrawal. You may feel as though you have lost control, be quick to anger and aggressive; many people become involved in high risk behaviors such as gambling, drug use and alcohol abuse.

Stress Related Illnesses:

Cortisol Deficiency: "Adrenal Fatigue"

Adrenal fatigue is usually preceded by a prolonged period of excess cortisol symptoms caused by prolonged stress or chronic illness. Thyroid may reduce cortisol levels so one should take caution when using Thyroid supplements with low cortisol levels. The main symptoms of cortisol deficiency are: