Causes of High Cortisol: How to Control Stress Hormone Levels

Cortisol hormone goes beyond its role in regulating stress to affect multiple aspects of health. This element is formed in the adrenal glands, and most cells in our bodies have cortisol receptors that turn it into a means of controlling blood sugar levels, inflammation levels, regulating metabolism, and also memory strength.

This qualifies cortisol to be among the most important hormones that control the health of our bodies. On the other hand, secreting too much of it can destroy many functions in the body and cause various diseases without being easily diagnosed.

Symptoms Resulting from High Cortisol

High cortisol hormone is referred to as Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when the body secretes too much of it due to a tumor or overgrowth in the pituitary gland, a tumor in the adrenal gland, or a tumor elsewhere in the body involved in cortisol production. It may also be caused by taking certain types of medications. Over time, high levels of it may lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, sleep problems, negatively affect mood, reduce energy levels, and contribute to the development of diabetes.

Women often suffer from high cortisol more than men, which explains their suffering from some common symptoms resulting from it, such as osteoporosis:

Weight gain, as cortisol increases appetite and drives the body to prepare the metabolism for fat storage.

Rapid exposure to infection, as high secretion of this hormone hinders the work of the immune system.

Fatigue after a small effort and insomnia.

Impaired brain function, including lack of concentration and poor memory.

Methods to Control Cortisol Hormone Secretion

• Improving sleep quality
• Considering the biological clock and avoiding staying up late, as 28 studies on shift workers have proven that cortisol secretion increases in people who sleep during the day instead of at night.
• Exercising, but with caution, as intense exercise increases cortisol secretion shortly after exercise.
• Getting rid of negativity and stressors.
• Staying away from negative people altogether.
• Instead, practice meditation and relaxation, and train yourself to deal with difficult situations calmly and with balance, and awareness of your mental and physical state.
• Building good social relationships with friends and family, as studies show that children who live stable family lives have lower levels of cortisol compared to children who live in families dominated by disputes and conflicts.
• A healthy and balanced diet, as excessive sugar intake is an important trigger for cortisol secretion, while there are some foods that help reduce cortisol levels, such as dark chocolate, fruit, green and black tea, and water.