Introduction
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, triangular organs located above each kidney. It manages stress, regulates blood sugar levels, and metabolizes. Overall, it maintains homeostasis, the state in which the body’s internal biological systems remain stable. The production of cortisol is managed by the circadian rhythm and the HPA axis to regulate the time and amount in which the hormone is released. Long-term stress disrupts this process by prompting the hypothalamus to trigger the body’s alarm system, leading to an increase in cortisol levels, which in turn can cause diseases such as depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Methods
Researchers have conducted numerous studies to understand the causes, effects, and management of varying cortisol levels. An example of this is placing animals, such as rodents and primates, under stressful conditions such as physical exertion and dominance hierarchies, to understand how stress alters cortisol levels. Additionally, researchers measured cortisol levels using different aspects of the human body to understand how they fluctuate over time periods of different length.
Results
The researchers conducting the animal model experiments concluded that acute stress results in cortisol spikes, chronic stress disrupts the body’s hormonal balance, and lower social status is associated with higher daily cortisol levels. Additionally, researchers observed that cortisol measured in blood or saliva can indicate short-term hormonal changes, while hair samples can provide long-term records.
Real-World Applications
Doctors, with the knowledge gained from researchers on cortisol, can identify and evaluate short- and long-term stress across various sample types and understand how the HPA axis functions within the body, helping them prevent the negative effects of stress. Specifically, the balance of cortisol levels and the prevention of high-cortisol-induced diseases can be achieved through mindfulness, relaxation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and reduced physical pain.
Conclusion
Cortisol is an essential hormone that plays various roles in maintaining homeostasis. However, when released in excess amounts due to stress, it can be harmful, affecting mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. Studying cortisol, its sources, and its effects is essential for giving researchers, doctors, and everyday people the knowledge to manage it and understand how managing stress is important to the body. Understanding the mechanisms by which cortisol is linked to allow for the development of better strategies and technologies to prevent excess cortisol and treat conditions induced by stress.
