Cortisol SymptomsSome of the most common cortisol symptoms are weight gain, weight loss, low libido, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles in females and hair loss. You may still suffer from cortisol hormonal imbalance despite living a healthy life by eating well and exercising regularly.Cortisol is an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands just above your kidneys and it helps regulate your blood sugar levels, your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat. It controls inflammation, aids in functioning of immune system, energy production and healing. Cortisol plays an important role in helping you stay healthy and energetic. Its major role is to combat physical as well as psychological stress. Every time your body experiences stress, the cortisol levels elevate in order to combat the stress and you experience a boost of energy and feel more motivated. So although cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone, its levels become dangerously high under prolonged stress. Elevated cortisol stimulates the production of glucose in excess, which is then converted into fat and gets stored. Women are more exposed to health issues that arise out of cortisol hormonal imbalance. Many women can experience problems like infrequent ovulation that may lead to infertility or difficulty in getting pregnant by suppressing estrogen hormones. Lower levels of cortisol hormone can lead to hypothyroidism as it stimulates the thyroid hormones. While doctors can check levels of cortisol in the blood through lab tests, there are some ways that people can recognize that they have high levels of cortisol in their bodies- by cortisol symptoms.
Higher Cortisol Symptoms and Signs:• Abdominal fat• Alcohol cravings • Anxiety • *Cushing’s Syndrome • Depression • Disturbed sleep • Dizziness and Lightheadedness • Elevated blood sugar • Fatigue • Food cravings • Frequent colds and illnesses • Hair loss • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Increased levels of cholesterol • Insulin resistance • Irritability • Lack of patience • Memory problems • Mood swings • Muscle, bone loss and osteoporosis • Premature aging • Shaky Hands • Skin conditions like acne and eczema • Stomach ulcers • Weakness • Weight gain or loss *Cushing's syndrome is a hormone disorder caused by too much cortisol in the blood as a result of taking glucocorticoid drugs, or by tumors that produce cortisol or ACTH or CRH. Signs of Cushing's syndrome include a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing's syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, occasionally diabetes.
Lower Cortisol Symptoms and Signs:Some people with cortisol deficiency find themselves getting easily depressed or have difficulty thinking and focusing on tasks. Others may experience pains in their muscles or joints. In some very rare cases, the adrenal glands will actually start bleeding, which leads to acute back pain.In this case, patients need to see a doctor right away, especially if they are taking any sort of anticoagulants that stop blood clots. Bleeding can also be caused by severe infections. • Aches and pains • Alcoholism • Asthma • Chronic Fatigue • Cold intolerance • Common colds • Depression • Fatigue • Fibromyalgia • Heart disease • Inflammation • Insomnia • Prolonged illnesses • Rheumatoid arthritis • Stress intolerance • Weight gain due to lack of proper blood sugar levels The best way to reduce or improve the cortisol imbalance is by having a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleeping at least 8 hours every night, following a low glycemic diet and cutting back on your salt, sugar, white flour and alcohol intake and eating small meals every 2-3 hours. As you know, cortisol is the ‘stress’ hormone and fights stress and anxiety keeping you active and energetic. So you may want to use some anxiety and stress management techniques that work for you... listening to relaxing music, a brisk walk, gardening, yoga, meditation, tai-chi, breathing exercises, therapeutic massage, a hobby or an enjoyable activity that makes you help fight stress.
*Also to help you avoid cortisol symptoms, I'd like to tell you about my favorite diet program that uses a lot of the healthy lower GI foods: Isabel de los Rios' 'The Diet Solution Program'. The Diet Solution Program favours a long term health orientated approach to fat loss, but not offering anyone a quick fix to their weight troubles. It has loads of valuable data and research to support its approach. I personally investigated the program thoroughly and my mum has been using it for a while now. I have to say she got some great results. The nutrition plan is one of the healthiest we have seen, a strong core focus on vegetables, fruits, vitamin dense foods, lean proteins, select dairy produce and a clear approach to not expecting one diet to work for all body types. So give it a try and let me know how you’re doing.*
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