1) Cortisol blockers or anti-catabolics.
  Anti-catabolic drugs are a large group of nutritional supplements and tablets whose action is aimed at blocking the production of the hormone cortisol in large quantities. They are used in sports practice to prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue, as well as as part of the treatment of existing hormone surplus. So, to achieve positive results, the following drugs are considered the most effective:
  growth hormones (GH and others);
  ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
  glucose solution;
  drug Phosphatidylserine;
  protein fast protein;
  amino acid complexes (in particular BCAA);
  Omega 3 fatty acids;
  Relora supplement based on magnolia bark extract.
  Homeopathic therapy.
  It is quite effective in treating hormonal disorders, especially those that are nonspecific or have a stress origin. The distinctive feature is that homeopathy cures the problem, unlike replacement therapy. The main disadvantage is that homeopathic doctors do not always select the optimal treatment the first time, and sometimes several sessions are required.
  Folk remedies.
  One of the options for reducing hormone levels is the use of folk recipes. To achieve the goal, you can resort to the following popular methods:
  black tea. Drinking this drink is believed to reduce cortisol levels in people who are under stress;
  music – it is believed that relaxation with music helps reduce the elevated level by half;
  valerian tincture or mint tea - great for helping you relax and cope with stress;
  You can also take a bath with aromatic oils.
  Products.
  A healthy diet has a positive effect on overall well-being and on the level of stress hormone produced. So, you should start by adjusting the amount of sugar consumed - you should give up sweets, cakes and other things as much as possible. Food should be prepared by steaming, boiling and baking. From the point of view of reducing cortisol production, foods such as olive oil, seeds, and nuts are of great importance - they must be present in the diet.
  Food should be supplied to the body regularly and in small quantities; portions should be well balanced in the ratio of proteins-fats-carbohydrates. An important aspect is also compliance with the drinking regime - you need to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
  Sport.
  Sports activity in moderate quantities and at an average level will not only have benefits for the body as a whole, but will also create favorable conditions for normalizing cortisol levels. Thus, a combination of sports and proper nutrition normalizes weight and metabolism in the body. To get good results, it is necessary that the training duration is no more than an hour, since too long an active load increases stress, etc. Accordingly, it stimulates the production of cortisol.
  For professional athletes who require significant exercise, it is recommended to take sports drinks with BCAAs and carbohydrates, which will give the body additional energy without increasing the production of stress hormones.

Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid hormone synthesized in the adrenal cortex. Affects protein, fat, carbohydrate metabolic processes. Cortisol increases blood pressure and blood glucose levels, which helps the body in stressful situations.

Pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the synthesis of cortisol hormone. The production of ACTH is dependent on hypothalamic activity in the form of corticotropin-releasing hormone, where at high cortisol levels the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone, ACTH, is inhibited.

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Service name	Price
Initial consultation with a gynecologist	2,300 rub.
Ultrasound gynecological expert	RUB 3,080
Taking a smear (scraping) for cytological examination	500 rub.
Complex "Reproductive Potential" Hormonal assessment of ovarian follicular reserve (AMH.FSH,LH,estradiol)	1,900 rub.
Determination of testicular reserve, FSH stimulation test with cost of the drug	5,000 rub.
FSH	650 rub.
FSH (CITO)	950 rub.
FSH (express)	650 rub.

Cortisol does not dissolve in the aquatic environment, therefore, in the bloodstream it is delivered in a form associated with protein structures ─ up to 77-80% with transcortin globulin protein, which binds to cortisol, 15% is weakly associated with albumin. Free circulation makes up only 10% of cortisol, and it is this portion that has the biological significance of cortisol.

What stimulates cortisol production?

Cortisol stimulation occurs due to:

• adrenocorticotropic hormone;
• circadian rhythms;
• stressful situations.

Function of cortisol

Cortisol does:

• increased mobilization of the body under stress factors, exposure to infections, physical overload, and during fasting;
• an increase in blood sugar levels, glycogen and glucose synthesis from protein and fat compounds is triggered;
• the destruction of fat in the leg area is activated, at the same time fat tissue is deposited in the facial and cervical area;
• increased protein breakdown in connective tissue structures and myofibers;
• inhibition of inflammation;
• at the cerebral level, increased excitability and unstable emotional state.

After 24 hours, the blood cortisol level is increased in the morning, and by night it is minimal.

Symptoms of high hormone levels

The symptomatic picture is typical:

• high weight, specific obesity, where the rounded abdominal area is enlarged, and the arms and legs are unnaturally thin;
• thinned skin and hypersensitive to destructive influences;
• blue-violet color with stripe-like stretch marks of the abdominal region, hips, back;
• muscle weakness and low size, volume and weight of myofibers;
• moon-shaped face due to deposited fat on the cervical and occipital region;
• inflammation of the sebaceous glands;
• female hirsutism (excessive hair growth);
• slow regeneration of wound surfaces, hematomas;
• pronounced swelling;
• frequent mycoses of the skin, candidiasis colpitis;
• high blood pressure;
• the formation of uncompensated diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar levels;
• irregular menstruation or absence thereof, female infertility;
• decreased male libido;
• osteoporotic manifestations;
• altered mental disorders, characterized by either low concentration or severe depression, psychotic disorders, suicidal thoughts;
• low potassium level in the blood.

Symptoms of low cortisol levels

If low cortisol in the blood is diagnosed, the following symptoms appear:

• severe exhaustion, muscle weakness;
• low body weight;
• hypotension and decreased appetite;
• hypoglycemia;
• high levels of calcium and potassium in the blood.

How is the test done?

When donating blood for testing to determine the cortisol composition, changes in the hormone over the course of the day are taken into account. Therefore, venous blood is taken in the morning from 7 to 9 o’clock. If necessary, large and small dexamethasone tests are performed. Before taking the test, stop taking any medications for two weeks.

The procedure is carried out before eating. 4 hours before the test, the drinking regime is limited; when the test is taken, it is allowed to drink water that does not contain gases. The day before the study, it is not recommended to eat fatty, fried, smoked and spicy foods. The person should be in a calm state for the last 30 minutes before the test.

A one-time analysis is not very informative. Alcohol intake, unbalanced diet, stress factors, contraceptives and chronic pathology affect the results.

Normal blood cortisol levels do not guarantee the absence of adrenal pathology. In order to establish a diagnosis, one study is not enough. It is necessary to check the content of other hormones in the blood, correctly transport biological material, take into account symptoms, ultrasound data, magnetic resonance and computed tomography.

The resulting serum biomaterial is sent to the laboratory and determined by chemiluminescent immune testing.

When is the test ordered?

An analysis of the level of cortisol in the blood is prescribed for:

• hypertension;
• overweight, blue-violet color of stripes in places of stretch marks on the body, thin skin;
• rapid weight loss, constant lethargy, bronze skin color, hypotension;
• early childhood sexual development;
• changes in the quantitative composition of microelements in the body;
• long-term treatment with glucocorticoid hormonal drugs;
• monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of adrenal pathology;
• suspected of oncology.

Normal levels of cortisol in the blood, nmol/l

In different laboratory conditions, the normal parameters differ. Reference data:

• up to 10 years ─ 29-1048;
• from 10 to 14 years ─ 56-685;
• from 14 to 16 years old ─ 29-855;
• from 16 years and older ─ 139-634.

It should be remembered that during pregnancy, the concentration of cortisol in the bloodstream increases from 2 to 5 times, which is normal. Cortisol also increases with stress, injury, surgery, taking veroshpiron, oral contraceptives, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

When using prednisolone, dexamethasone, the level of cortisol hormone decreases. With serum hemolysis, the data will lose reliability.

Facts about cortisol

This hormone stimulates the synthesis of gastric juice, so so-called “stress” ulcers of the stomach and duodenum can be treated by eliminating stress factors.

When under stress, cortisol has a diuretic effect and a person urinates frequently.

Thanks to cortisol, calcium absorption will decrease, which will lead to osteoporosis.

Hydrocortisone is called cortisol in the pharmaceutical industry.

Blood test for cortisol: how to take it, explanation? Cortisol is a hormone of the adrenal cortex that is often called the stress hormone, reflecting its primary function. The secretion of cortisol is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone and some other biologically active substances. This steroid hormone plays a major role in the body's reactions to stress, hunger, and danger. Typically, you need to take a test for the hormone cortisol in the following cases:

• Suspicion of tumor diseases of the nervous system, or upon their diagnosis
• Manifestations of hirsute syndrome
• Phenomena of osteoporosis
• Persistent increase in blood pressure
• Muscle weakness.

Throughout the day, the level of cortisol changes, so its physiological norm is determined by the time when the blood cortisol was donated. In the morning, the secretion of the hormone is higher, and by night it decreases. If the blood of an adult of the reproductive period is examined, then in the morning the normal values ​​are 170-536 nmol/ml, and in the evening – 65-327 nmol/ml. These indicators are valid if a person adheres to the regime and has a full night's sleep and daytime activity. When this schedule changes, insomnia, or night work, these parameters change because the balance of hormones is disrupted.

The normal cortisol concentration also depends on the age of the patient being examined.

Donating blood for cortisol - cortisol norm by age in the table:

It is correct to donate blood for cortisol if you have complaints about:

• Weakness, increased fatigue, muscle pain
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Significant changes in blood pressure, both downward and upward
• Weight loss in the absence of prerequisites for this (no diets, intense training, hunger strikes) or, conversely, unmotivated weight gain
• The appearance of purple stretch marks on the abdomen and thighs
• Depression, mental and neurological disorders
• The need for research is determined by an endocrinologist, who gives a referral for research. The purpose of the test is usually to test the function of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland.

Since cortisol is characterized by quite significant daily fluctuations, it is very important to know how to properly submit cortisol for testing.

The rules must be followed:

• Donate blood in the morning, on an empty stomach. If you need to track how the hormone cortisol changes dynamically, the test should be carried out strictly at the same time to avoid diagnostic errors. Such monitoring may be necessary for minor changes in cortisol when test results are equivocal, or during the treatment period to be able to assess its effectiveness.
• 1-3 days before the test, you need to limit excessive physical activity and stressful situations. Physical activity, even jogging, on the eve of the test can lead to unreliable results and difficulties in diagnosing diseases.
• It is necessary to refrain from drinking any alcohol-containing drinks or energy drinks. Caffeine consumption can also affect cortisol concentrations.
• Stop smoking for at least 24 hours before taking the test.
• The day before the test, limit your intake of spicy, fried, fatty, and salty foods.

Blood for testing is usually taken from the cubital vein. The resulting material is delivered to the laboratory in special tubes in compliance with all rules for transportation and storage of biological media.

If it is necessary to assess at what level of cortisol, how to take the test, the doctor decides, since when determining the level of cortisol, it is advisable to give both blood and urine for testing.

The rules for passing urine are similar; both tests must be taken on the same day. A urine test is necessary to determine the level of the free fraction of the hormone.

When donating urine, it must be collected in a special container (sterile jar) within 24 hours. In this case, the first morning portion of urine is not collected. Throughout the day, all urine must be collected in a common vessel, and after adding the last portion, which will be in the morning on the next day from the start of collection, the contents must be mixed, about 100 ml poured into a sterile jar and delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours. Urinalysis is, to some extent, more informative, since due to the average value per day, the influence of any minor errors during the test on the results is reduced. The level of cortisol in urine is determined by two main methods: ECLA - 60-413 nmol/day, or chemiluminescent method - 100-379 nmol/day.

Another possible method for determining cortisol levels is a saliva cortisol test. At the same time, preparation for the study is less strict, and such an analysis is easier for children, since donating saliva is easier and painless. Before donating saliva, you need to check that there are no wounds, abrasions, or bleeding gums on the oral mucosa, since blood may affect the results of the study. There are two options for testing saliva, each of which has its own standards: using the ECLA method – 2.1-19.0 nmol/l, and using the luminescent immunoassay method – 14.0-40.9 nmol/l.

Many patients are interested in when a cortisol test is scheduled, when to take it, and on what day. Men take tests on any convenient day, women need to adhere to certain days of the cycle (during the reproductive period and outside pregnancy).

To correctly carry out the analysis and decipher its results, you need to take into account what medications the patient is using. Results may be affected by the use of hormonal contraceptives, hormone therapy, especially estrogens.

If the attending physician prescribes a cortisol test, he will tell you how to take it correctly in advance so that the person can prepare.

It is difficult to talk about the normal level of cortisol, especially in women, since this hormone is very unstable. Its fluctuations depend on the time of day, age-related changes, physical activity, and the degree of aggression. There are many factors that increase and decrease its production and they must be used to maintain health.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps a person respond to expression. It is called the “stress hormone” because it is involved in the development of stress reactions in the body. Steroid hormones are a category of biologically active substances that are produced in the adrenal glands.

Cortisol is beneficial to a person in the short term, but during long-term stress, excessive cortisol production leads to a condition known medically as adrenal fatigue. Increased levels of stress, and therefore cortisol, make a person feel worn out and exhausted, which leads to depression.

Cortisol (the norm in women rarely changes by age), its level reaches its peak in the morning, around 8 o’clock, which helps a person feel healthy and active in the morning. The lowest peak production is around 3-4 am.

How does cortisol affect the human body?

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, located in the brain, regulate cortisol levels. If there is a decrease, the brain “orders” the adrenal glands to increase the production of the hormone, and they begin to increase the amount of cortisol released. Cortisol levels are the main indicator of the functional activity of the adrenal glands.

Since most cells have their own cortisol receptors, it affects many body functions:

• the hormone is involved in metabolism;
• controls sugar levels;
• helps the body convert fats, proteins, carbohydrates into useful energy;
• affects salt and water balance, thus controlling blood pressure;
• plays a major role in the body's response to stress;
• has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects; at the cellular level suppresses the production and action of inflammatory cytokines;
• During pregnancy, cortisol supports the developing fetus.

Many doctors argue that cortisol's main function is to help the body cope with perceived threats. But there is a downside to cortisol production.

In case of its excess, if stress is not followed by physical activity or relaxation, disorders are possible:

• the development of diabetes, since unspent glucose formed at the time of increased hormone production leads to the development of steroid diabetes mellitus;
• obesity, since excess glucocorticoids cause an increase in appetite, a person involuntarily begins to intensively eat flour and sweets (this condition often occurs after experiencing stress);
• a decrease in the number of leukocytes, which, on the one hand, blocks allergic reactions, and on the other, promotes slow healing of wounds;
• inhibits the regulation of protein biosynthesis in tissues, breaking it down into amino acids, while suppressing collagen synthesis in women, which leads to loose, thin skin, and the appearance of wrinkles;
• increased production of gastric juice, which leads to the appearance of stomach ulcers (constant stress contributes to this).

Norms of hormone levels in the blood of women by age

Women's and men's reactions to stress differ. Recovery from experiences in men occurs much faster, and glucocorticoid levels decrease over a shorter period. After stress, women take longer to return to normal; their hormonal levels decrease gradually, which affects their health.

Cortisol concentrations become even stronger with age and in working women with children.

Cortisol (the norm for women by age is not much different from that for men) is produced per day in the range of 15-30 mg. The morning norm, when peak production occurs, is 101-536 nmol/l, and the evening dose of the hormone is 80-478 nmol/l. During pregnancy, women experience a 2-5 fold increase in levels in the 3rd trimester.

Cortisol is a hormone necessary for the body. The norm for women changes with age, and there are other factors.

Studies have shown that working women's cortisol levels increase greatly in the evenings, when they also have to do housework. In men, the reduced level of the hormone persists in the evening.

Cortisol levels in women by age:

Age groups	Normal in blood nmol/l	Free cortisol in urine
Teenagers from 12 to 15 years old	75 – 630	55–270 nmol/day
Adults from 16 to 45 years old	101 — 535	30 – 270 nmol/day
After 45 years	less than 130	35–300 nmol/day
Pregnant	Exceeds the value from 2 to 5 times the norm

A sharp increase in the hormone does not have a critical effect on health. 1-2 hours after experiencing shock, the hormone half-disintegrates, its excess is inactivated by the liver and excreted in the urine.

A surge in hormone levels often occurs during injuries, infections, operations, or when glucose levels decrease. A persistently high level within 552 nmol/l indicates the development of Cushing's syndrome. At higher concentrations, adrenal cancer is often diagnosed.

How to recognize changes in a woman’s cortisol levels without tests?

External signs indicating a changed level of the hormone in the blood:

• osteoporosis;
• increased blood pressure;
• thinning of the skin, the appearance of stretch marks on its surface;
• weight loss or weight gain for no obvious reason, which is accompanied by lethargy and muscle weakness.

High cortisol levels indicate Cushing's syndrome, symptoms of which include:

• abdominal obesity;
• moon-shaped round face;
• dorsal hump;
• increase in fat deposits on the back of the neck;
• thin and fragile skin, with poorly healing wounds;
• stretch marks (red stretch marks) on the stomach, chest, neck, hips.
• disruption or cessation of the menstrual cycle;
• infertility;
• increased facial hair growth;
• frequently recurring thrush.

Laboratory diagnostics

A cortisol test is more often done using a blood test. Samples are taken twice a day, morning and afternoon. Because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, your doctor will need to determine whether levels of the hormone fluctuate at an appropriate rate.

Saliva testing has become popular recently and involves measuring cortisol levels 4 times a day.

A form of urine testing is used, where urine is collected over a 24-hour period. When diagnosing the functional functioning of the adrenal glands, the level of free cortisol is determined; for this, 100-130 ml of the daily volume of urine is taken.

It is important that the doctor knows what medications were used before taking the test, since many of them lead to inaccurate results. Serum cortisol is determined using an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay. The results of blood sampling are provided on the second day.

Preparing for analysis

Before blood collection, you should fast for 8 to 12 hours. During the day, you need to give up physical activity, refrain from emotional experiences, cigarettes, alcohol, and salty foods. Before taking the analysis, 30-40 minutes. should be done in complete rest.

Blood collection

When studying cortisol levels, the analysis is taken no later than 10 a.m.

Venous blood sampling should not be carried out after radiography or physiotherapeutic procedures.

Analysis deadline, interpretation of results

For samples taken before noon, results should be: 171–536 nmol/L. Taken after 17 hours: 64–327 nmol/l. Time to receive test results: 1–2 calendar days, for urgent execution: 3–5 hours.

Decrease in cortisol relative to normal

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system lead to cortisol deficiency.

Symptoms of its manifestation:

• decrease in blood pressure;
• reduced emotional background;
• gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting;
• disruption of the menstrual cycle or its absence.

Reasons

In Addison's disease or chronic adrenal insufficiency, cortisol levels are always low.

Symptoms accompanying the disease:

• constant fatigue;
• sudden loss of weight and appetite;
• skin pigmentation;
• hypoglycemia;
• low blood pressure;
• craving for salty foods.

The most common causes of decreased hormone levels are:

• congenital adrenal hyperplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• tumor in the brain area;
• taking barbiturates;
• taking hormone antagonist drugs (ephedrine, dexamethasone, ephedrine);
• abrupt withdrawal after prolonged use of glucocorticoids;
• cirrhosis, hepatitis.

Clinical manifestations

When the level of the hormone decreases, muscle pain often develops after exercise and microtears in the muscles. Weight loss may occur, which is often accompanied by fainting and headaches.

Some symptoms are not always associated with diseases:

• decreased appetite;
• decreased blood pressure;
• fatigue;
• mood swings;
• low blood sugar levels.

Increased cortisol levels

Cortisol (the norm in women by age, due to health reasons, can increase in the autumn), its high level is dangerous due to excessive weight gain, fluctuations in blood pressure, the occurrence of osteoporosis, disruption of the digestive process, and increased cholesterol levels.

An increase in hormone production may be a sign of developing neoplasms, pituitary tumors, anorexia, and diabetes.

Reasons

Among the causes in the first place are internal disorders and diseases:

• lung and stomach cancer;
• cirrhosis;
• hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism;
• development of male secondary sexual characteristics in women;
• uncompensated diabetes mellitus;
• hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex;
• hypoglycemia;
• obesity and depression.

External reasons:

Signs

The very first warning symptoms of elevated cortisol are changes in taste sensations. Increased production of the hormone affects the heart rate, increasing it.

Subsequently, other signs may appear:

• constant feeling of hunger;
• menstrual irregularities;
• evening swelling in the arms and legs;
• frequent appearance of blush on the cheeks;
• rashes, pigmentation on the skin;
• excess hair growth on the face and body;
• numerous stretch marks on the skin;
• muscle weakness;
• constant feeling of drowsiness;
• decreased immunity, expressed in frequent colds;
• irritation, apathy, depression.

Prognosis and complications

Cortisol (the norm in women often increases with age due to excess secretion of the hormone) changes the functioning of the adrenal glands.

This leads to the development:

• high blood pressure;
• diabetes mellitus type 2;
• frequent infections;
• osteoporosis;
• loss of muscle mass and strength.

Chronically elevated levels of the hormone cortisol are associated with body fat, bone loss, memory loss, and infertility.

How to restore cortisol balance

To restore the balance of the hormone, you should follow simple rules that are quite simple but effective.

Low carb diet

Proper nutrition is a direct path to restoring hormonal balance. The diet should include easily digestible low-fat proteins - eggs, milk, cottage cheese, healthy fats.

Carbohydrate intake should be limited by including vegetables, especially green fruits, instead. Eat foods that contain fiber, which will fill you up quickly and not lead to excess weight. Eliminate harmful foods: sugar, tonic drinks, flour products, fast food,

Dietary supplements for high cortisol

Natural phospholipids should be used to support healthy brain function. The drug Phosphatidylserine supports and restores nerve cells, reduces the level of stress hormones, improves memory and the ability to concentrate.

Omega 3 fatty acids activate the brain, normalize a person’s psychological state, and prevent the development of chronic fatigue. Ginkgo biloba extract improves brain activity, memory, dilates blood vessels, and reduces hormone levels.

Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, promotes the proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.

Sufficient hydration

Feeling anxious increases your heart rate and speeds up your breathing, which leads to fluid loss. During times of stress, a person drinks a lot of water, but the body can become dehydrated. To achieve hormone balance, you should drink plenty of fluids, adding trace elements or amino acids to your drinking water.

Proper relaxation

Psychological techniques and practices allow you to relax, put your feelings and thoughts in order, which has a positive effect on brain activity. And this, in turn, regulates the level of hormone production. Meditation, acupuncture, breathing (diaphragmatic) exercises - all this will help cope with any stress.

Regular exercise for 30-40 minutes. daily, increases the body's protective functions. Half an hour of jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing are all enough to restore cortisol balance.

Adaptogens

The use of adaptogenic herbs helps relieve stress, strengthen and stabilize the body.

The most famous adaptogens:

Alaptogens help restore cortisol levels by supporting the adrenal and pituitary glands. For relaxation, you can use essential oils: lavender, bergamot, frankincense, which contain active ingredients that reduce cortisol levels.

Dream

You should sleep at least 7-8 hours, if possible, then rest during the daytime. Adequate sleep is necessary to restore the balance of hormones. Cortisol and melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness, work in tandem. When cortisol levels decrease, melatonin begins to cause drowsiness.

During sleep, low cortisol levels allow all cells to recover. If cortisol levels rise, the cells cannot recover and the person wakes up in the morning feeling tired and weak.

Cortisol is a moody hormone that often gets out of control for various reasons, which is why it is so important to keep it within normal limits, especially in women of all age groups. This will help maintain tight skin, healthy sleep, and a cheerful mood.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about cortisol in women

Stress hormone cortisol, what is it and what is the norm:

Cortisol is a hormone that helps concentrate energy in emergencies. In addition, it increases the level of glucose and adrenaline in the body, thereby helping to focus on danger and make the necessary decision in a given situation.

The role of cortisol

The hormone cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex. This is one of the types of glucocorticoids. In the blood it binds to red blood cells and proteins. In the early morning, the level of the hormone is higher than in the evening.

The hormone cortisol is responsible for the following in women: it takes part in the metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, which affects the water-salt balance. In addition, it affects the conservation of energy in the body and takes part in the synthesis of cellular enzymes.

Cortisol is sometimes called the stress hormone and for good reason. It forms protective reactions to external stimuli and stressful situations. Increases blood pressure and heart rate. However, it maintains normal vascular tone and does not allow critical changes in blood pressure. During stress, the hormone activates muscle function, reduces glucose consumption in them, taking it from other organs.

However, cortisol can provoke the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and obesity, due to the fact that muscles do not waste glucose if there is no physical activity behind the threat. In addition, those organs that lack glucose begin to require it. Accordingly, a person begins to consume sweet and starchy foods in large quantities.

Cortisol, among other things, reduces the number of white blood cells circulating in the plasma. This leads to poor wound healing, but helps block immune and allergic reactions.

Cortisol affects protein biosynthesis: it stimulates in the liver, and inhibits in tissues. When cortisol levels increase, it negatively affects muscle tissue and breaks it down into amino acids. Bodybuilders do not like it for this, since the hormone does not allow them to pump up the desired muscle volume. Cortisol also suppresses collagen production and leads to wrinkles, sagging and thinning skin. However, this same hormone helps you get up on time in the morning and mobilizes strength after a night's rest.

Cortisol reacts to menstruation, insomnia, and pain. If the level of cortisol in the blood increases, then significant changes occur in the metabolism:

• sugar and cholesterol levels increase;
• water and sodium are retained;
• blood pressure increases;
• blood clotting increases.

If the level of cortisol is insufficient, this can lead to life-threatening conditions: collapse, shock, death.

To summarize the information presented, cortisol in the female body performs the following functions:

1. Protects against stress, helps to correct the reaction in a particular dangerous situation, protects against the negative consequences of overexertion. If the amount of this hormone is insufficient, a woman may become confused.
2. Anti-inflammatory. With normal cortisol levels, the limits of the spread of the inflammatory reaction are narrowed. The hormone reduces sensitivity to pathogenic agents and suppresses their effect.
3. Immunoregulatory. Lack of the hormone leads to decreased immunity.
4. Regulating: normalization of metabolic processes.
5. Affects blood vessels: narrows them, normalizes blood pressure.
6. Energy supply. If the pressure rises, the resulting glucose flows to the brain, which gives a surge of energy to the muscles.

Cortisol norm

Normal levels of cortisol in the blood of men in the morning are 138 - 635 nmol/l, in the afternoon and before night 83 - 441.

In women, cortisol levels increase during puberty, and during pregnancy the surges of the hormone are even more intense. Cortisol decreases during menopause.

The normal level of cortisol in the blood of women:

• in the morning 138 – 638 nmol/l;
• in the evening 65 – 325 nmol/l.

The lower limits of normal indicate that the body is at rest. A sharp increase in indicators occurs during stress, heavy physical exertion, and suppression of sleep and psycho-emotional state.

Cortisol levels in children

Standards for a child are determined based on age:

• up to one year – 30 – 996 nmol/l;
• 2 – 5 years – 30 – 1049 nmol/l;
• 5 – 10 years – 30 – 1049 nmol/l;
• 10 – 14 years – 55 – 690 nmol/l;
• 14 – 16 years – 28 – 285 nmol/l.

At the age of up to 3 years, children may have deviations from the norm that are not associated with the presence of any pathologies, since before this age the level of hormone secretion normalizes.

In children, cortisol levels are closely related to sleep and wake patterns. If the regime is violated, then there may be deviations from the norms.

If a child’s cortisol is elevated, this is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Excitability, irritability. The child becomes whiny and reacts sharply to any comments and changes in life.
• Sudden weight gain.
• Increased heart rate.
• Excessive sweating.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

When the level of the hormone increases in a child, the adaptive functions of the body are disrupted, immunity decreases, and the frequency of colds and infectious diseases increases. Calcium is washed out of the bones, which negatively affects the osteoarticular system.

It is necessary to take a cortisol test in the following situations:

• When the baby's behavior changes. He becomes apathetic, anxious, irritable, and gets tired quickly.
• Constantly feels weak and complains of pain in the limbs.
• Weight loss or gain occurs that is not associated with changes in diet or physical activity.
• Hypoglycemia.
• Frequent vomiting, nausea, diarrhea.
• Early or delayed puberty.
• The appearance of acne, acne.

Cortisol plays an important role in protecting the body from adverse factors or dangers. But at a stable, elevated concentration, the hormone has a detrimental effect on the growing body. This is especially important for infants and young children, in whom an uncontrolled increase in cortisol can cause irreparable brain damage. Low cortisol is no less dangerous, since in this case the functioning of many organs is disrupted.

Moreover, studies have shown that there is a connection between various mental disorders in children and elevated cortisol. Excess of the hormone can lead to depression, affective disorders, hysteria, attacks of aggression, and antisocial behavior. There have even been recorded cases of the development of schizophrenia.

Cortisol and pregnancy

When preparing for pregnancy, the level of cortisol in the blood is important, since it is known that due to stress, ovulation and fertilization of the egg may not occur. Accordingly, conception will be impossible. For this reason, an increase in cortisol levels in preparation for pregnancy negatively affects the functioning of the reproductive system.

During pregnancy, the level of the hormone is no less important, as it ensures the occurrence of all catabolic processes, feeding the body with the necessary energy and maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

Cortisol affects the vasoconstrictor properties of other hormones. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the body's hypersensitivity in response to the influence of any agents that trigger inflammatory processes. Cortisol also affects the composition of the blood: it reduces the number of lymphocytes, but increases the content of platelets, red blood cells and neutrophils.

During pregnancy, the level of the hormone will increase, as the body perceives this condition as stress. A number of physiological and psychological changes also occur in the female body, which also affects the growth of the hormone.

If pregnancy proceeds normally, without complications, and health is also normal, then at 5–6 weeks of pregnancy the cortisol level increases to 206–236 nmol/l, and by childbirth the figure increases to 1038–1141 nmol/l.

During pregnancy, elevated cortisol levels are normal. Due to the high content in the blood, it is much easier for a woman to bear a fetus. The hormone affects vascular activity and protects the body from inflammation. The hormone also increases the content of red blood cells in the blood.

It is important that during pregnancy, a high level of cortisol protects the body from stress, since expectant mothers are especially susceptible to emotional reactions.

Why cortisol may be elevated

The main reasons why cortisol may be elevated are as follows:

1. Constant stressful situations. This is the main factor leading to an increase in the hormone. Thanks to nervous overload, the body uses all available energy to solve the current problem. But, being in such a mode constantly, the body is exhausted and its work is disrupted.
2. Use of stimulants: caffeine, nicotine and others. Just one cup of coffee increases cortisol by 30%. This increase will last for 2 - 3 hours. If you drink coffee constantly, the production of the hormone increases to the maximum. Especially if all this is accompanied by stress and lack of sleep.
3. Gym activities that put maximum stress on the body.
4. Uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs: contraceptives, Prednisolone and others.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Overweight.
7. Unbalanced diet.

Hormone levels can also increase as a result of certain diseases:

1. Tumors in the pituitary gland that reduce or increase hormone synthesis.
2. Adenoma and enlargement of the adrenal glands.
3. Oncology.
4. Anorexia.
5. AIDS.
6. Increased production of thyroid hormones, leading to stressful conditions.
7. Cirrhosis.
8. Hepatitis.
9. Cushing's syndrome.
10. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
11. Alcoholism.

Symptomatic manifestations

When cortisol increases in women, the following symptoms appear:

1. Feeling of stress even in the absence of objective reasons.
2. Irritability.
3. Unrest.
4. Nervous state and increased anxiety without reason.
5. Sleep disorders, including insomnia.
6. Metabolic disorder.
7. Increased appetite, satisfied by fatty, heavy and sweet foods.

When cortisol levels are high, changes occur in the production of other hormones, which increases existing problems in the body. Exhaustion and weakening of muscles begins. The woman feels constant weakness, shortness of breath, muscle and joint pain, and it is difficult for her to move. Depression, apathy, and reluctance to live may even appear.

If cortisol is slightly elevated in men, this may be due to constant overload, injury, viral infections and inflammation. Symptoms of increased hormones are the same as in women. In addition to them, frequent colds and decreased immunity, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disorders are characteristic.

Such signs will indicate that the body is under an unbearable burden not only due to physical activity, but also training and diet. Overexertion is possible as a result of abuse of sedatives, energy drinks, and alcohol. In such a situation, perhaps you just need to give up destructive overloads, stop taking antidepressants and take a vitamin and mineral course for men.

The diet should contain the antioxidant vitamin C. You may need to relieve overstimulation by using valerian tincture for 2 weeks.

How to treat

If excessive amounts of cortisol are detected, then measures must be taken to eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, tests alone do not allow us to see the full picture of the state of the body and do not reveal why cortisol was elevated. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo additional examinations.

Treatment for high cortisol levels will be prescribed in accordance with the identified pathologies. If the cause is stress, then you need to learn how to get rid of it and increase the body’s resistance to various experiences. Various techniques help achieve this, for example, psychological methods and practices. They provide an opportunity not only to relax, but also to put feelings and thoughts in order, tune in to positive emotions, and improve overall well-being and mood. All this leads to the fact that hormone production returns to normal.

Physical exercise also increases endurance and the body's defense reactions, but here it is necessary to adhere to the golden mean, since with excessive stress the level of cortisol increases. It will be enough to exercise for 30 minutes. cycling, swimming, running.

Positive emotions are also important. You should find time to meet with friends, travel, do what you love, and devote time to your beauty. It is also important to normalize sleep and get proper rest. You need to sleep at least 8 hours and go to bed no later than midnight. It is advisable to sleep during the daytime.

Ways to Reduce Cortisol

One of the most effective ways to reduce cortisol is to change your diet. You should avoid a number of foods:

1. Drinks with high caffeine content: soda, coffee, energy drinks. These drinks increase cortisol levels.
2. Processed foods: Sugar and simple carbohydrates lead to a surge in the hormone. Refined carbohydrates, white rice, non-whole grain pasta, white bread, candy, chocolate, and cakes should be avoided.
3. Fast foods.

The menu should be filled with:

• eggs;
• cottage cheese and dairy products;
• healthy fats;
• onions;
• garlic;
• greens;
• tomatoes;
• spinach;
• broccoli.

Dehydration should be avoided. If the urine has acquired a dark color, this may indicate insufficient drinking regime. Black, green or chamomile tea is especially useful in this situation. To reduce cortisol, you need to supplement your menu with fish oil. To do this, it is not necessary to buy special additives; you can limit yourself to sea bass, sardines, salmon, and mackerel.

Preparations containing radiola rosea, extracts of Eleutherococcus, St. John's wort, infusions of licorice, oats, chloride, citrate or sodium gluconate help reduce hormone levels.

To reduce cortisol levels, you also need to make lifestyle changes. It would be a good idea to learn to meditate. The duration of each session is half an hour. It is advisable to conduct classes 3 – 4 times a week.

Meditation technique:

1. Sit in a quiet dark room, relax. If this doesn’t work out, then you can try to imagine a calm, quiet place. Feel your body relax. This relieves muscle tension.
2. Close your eyes, take a deep breath. Repeat these steps until your heart rate slows down. It is worth paying attention to the beating of the heart in a relaxed state, imagining how tension leaves the body through the tips of the fingers and toes.

Watching a funny movie or reading a funny story will be very helpful. Scientists have proven that joyful laughter can inhibit the production of cortisol.

It is also advisable to perform special exercises to reduce hormone levels:

1. You can do yoga or Pilates, which not only help reduce cortisol levels, but also burn calories and train muscles.
2. You can use other exercises, such as a game console.

Listening to music can also reduce hormone levels.

Existing blockers

Anticatabolics or cortisol blockers are drugs that reduce the secretion of this hormone in the blood. These include protein and amino acid complexes.

Cortisol blockers are:

1. Androgenic-anabolic steroids. They lead to increased synthesis of protein and other nutrients.
2. Growth hormone causes a decrease in the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone, which affects the decrease in cortisol. Some peptide drugs have a similar effect, for example, pralmolerin or hexarelin.
3. Agmantine is a drug used by athletes.
4. Ascorbic acid. The effectiveness of the drug was proven by research: subjects took vitamin C at a dosage of 3000 mg/day for 6 days. As a result, cortisol levels decreased significantly and blood pressure also decreased.
5. Glucose. By using a solution of this substance during intense training, you can avoid spikes in cortisol.
6. In addition to its anti-catabolic effect, phosphatidylserine increases endurance, improves brain activity, and reduces post-workout muscle pain.
7. Complex sports supplements containing vitamins C and E, glutamine, alpha-lipoic acid.

Cortisol and bodybuilding

Cortisol is a catabolic hormone that can break down proteins, promote fat storage, and increase blood glucose levels. However, depending on the situation, this hormone can bring a lot of benefits.

The described hormone can ruin your figure, not only reducing muscle volume, but also accumulating fat in the abdominal area. When cortisol levels are elevated, the immune system suffers, a person gets sick more often, and recovery is delayed. With a prolonged increase in cortisol, insulin resistance can occur.

But if there is not enough cortisol, it is bad, as it can be fatal. At low levels, a person will feel constant fatigue.

However, high cortisol in bodybuilding can also be beneficial. With a rapid and relatively sharp increase in hormone levels, a noticeable increase in strength indicators occurs. Strength endurance is increased, allowing athletes to train longer without compromising performance.

In such a situation, strength training can last no more than 40–50 minutes. After this time, cortisol will prevail over growth hormone and testosterone, and muscle breakdown will begin accordingly. However, there is also a nuance here. The hormone does not immediately begin to destroy muscles. First, it extracts energy from glycogen. And only then does it produce new glucose, which requires amino acids. If the level of the latter in the blood is insufficient, muscle destruction will begin.

But if you provide the body with the necessary amount of amino acids, especially BCAAs, before and during training, then cortisol will not be so scary.

Ways to increase hormone levels

If the following conditions occur, this may indicate a lack of cortisol:

• lack of appetite;
• weight loss;
• low blood pressure;
• frequent fainting;
• chronic fatigue;
• stomach ache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• desire to eat salty food;
• the appearance of dark spots on the skin;
• muscle fatigue, pain;
• depression, apathy;
• irritability;
• rapid pulse;
• hair loss in women and decreased libido.

If at least one of these signs is present, then you should get tested and determine your cortisol level. If cortisol in the blood is low, then it needs to be increased. How? This is related to the cause of the deficiency.

However, here it is worth paying attention to lifestyle. It may need to be changed:

• try to avoid stress;
• normalize sleep patterns;
• do not consume caffeine and alcohol;
• do physical exercise, meditation, yoga;
• diversify your diet with fatty fish, nuts, olive and coconut oil, avocados;
• Do not consume processed foods, sugar, or processed foods.

It is also recommended to undergo a course of hormone replacement therapy. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will select synthetic corticosteroid drugs (Hydrocortisone, Cortisone Acetate, Prednisolone and others). During such therapy, it is necessary to undergo regular cortisol tests. Such drugs also have some side effects: they increase body weight and activate mood swings. It is necessary to discuss with your doctor how to correct such side effects.

Cortisol and weight

During a strict diet or fasting, a number of changes occur in the body. Due to dietary nutrition, hormonal levels change. Weight loss results may be unsuccessful due to cortisol as it is a steroid hormone.

Although there are known facts when people suddenly lost weight due to stress. But this is due to the production of another hormone - adrenaline, which reduces appetite and affects the rapid breakdown of fats.

But if stressful situations continue and become constant, then cortisol begins to affect the body and increases appetite. However, a person cannot always stop gluttony. Cortisol also slows down the rate of metabolic processes.

• accelerates the production of lipogenic enzymes that promote the synthesis of adipose tissue;
• accelerates the production of insulin, which promotes the accumulation of fat in cells;
• destroys muscles.

It is known that after 35 years there is a natural decrease in body weight. In a year, a person can lose 200–250 g of muscle mass. At the same time, outwardly it is almost imperceptible, since the weight itself does not decrease, but can even increase due to fat mass.

And if a person is in a stressful situation, then the decrease in muscle mass occurs even more intensely. If you add to this sleep disturbances and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, then excess weight due to cortisol increases even more.

It turns out that for those who are constantly in stressful situations, the process of fat breakdown slows down, and weight does not decrease.

Cortisol is a hormone that can cause both benefit and harm. Therefore, it is necessary to keep its level under control.

Cortisol (Hydrocortisone, Cortisol) is a hormone that is produced by the outer surface of the adrenal cortex. It is an active glucocorticoid (stress hormone).

The analysis allows us to identify systemic disorders of the human endocrine and hormonal systems, adrenal dysfunction, and detect malignant tumors and serious pathologies.

General information

Cortisol is involved in many functional processes in the body. The hormone controls the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is also responsible for the functioning of muscle fibers (striated, smooth muscles of the cardiac myocardium, etc.). Cortisol also takes a direct part in immune processes - it suppresses infection and the inflammatory process, reduces the effect of histamine during an allergic reaction.

Once produced, the adrenal glands release cortisol into the blood, where it can exist in two states: unbound and bound.

Bound cortisol is inactive, but is used by the body when necessary (in fact, it represents a kind of reserve).

Unbound participates in biological processes - regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, stabilizes (reduces) the production of glucocorticoids.

Deviation of cortisol levels from the norm leads to disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system and can cause systemic failures.

The doctor uses information about the concentration of the hormone in diagnosing a number of pathologies. To do this, its level in blood serum and urine is examined. To obtain a reliable and informative result, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test is performed simultaneously. This makes it possible to diagnose primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. Primary occurs against the background of damage to the adrenal cortex, and secondary is associated with a decrease in the secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland.

Indications for analysis

The concentration of cortisol in the female body is checked for the following reasons:

• monitoring the course of pregnancy;
• diagnosis of menstrual cycle disorders (primary and secondary oligomenorrhea);
• early puberty in girls;
• hirsutism (increased hair growth).

General indications for testing by patients are:

• osteoporosis and other pathologies of the skeletal system;
• hyperpigmentation in open areas, as well as in the area of ​​folds, on mucous surfaces and places of close contact with clothing;
• depigmentation (less commonly), which manifests itself as colorless lesions on the epidermis;
• bronze tint of the skin (suspicion of Addison's disease);
• abnormal markings on the skin (such as reddish or purple streaks in Cushing's disease);
• muscle weakness for a long period;
• skin rashes (acne) in adults;
• causeless loss of body weight;
• high blood pressure without the presence of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Cortisol norm

It should be noted that normal values ​​may vary slightly in different laboratories. The average data is presented here, however, when deciphering the analysis, you should always rely on the standards of the laboratory where the analysis was taken.

• up to 10 years - 28-1049 nmol/l;
• 10-14 years - 55-690 nmol/l;
• 14-16 years old - 28-856 nmol/l;
• over 16 years old - 138-635 nmol/l.

It is worth considering that the concentration of the hormone in the blood will be different at each time of day. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning, after which they drop and reach a peak minimum value in the evening (18-23 hours).

Important! In pregnant women, the level of the hormone can be increased by 2-5 times, which should be considered normal.

Medications that affect results

The following can increase cortisol production:

• corticotropin;
• amphetamines;
• methoxamine;
• hormones (estrogen, birth control pills);
• interferon;
• vasopressin;
• ethanol;
• nicotine;
• naloxone;
• metoclopramide, etc.

The following drugs reduce the results:

• morphine;
• nitric oxide;
• lithium preparations;
• magnesium sulfate;
• barbiturates;
• dexamethasone;
• levodopa;
• ketoconazole;
• triamcinolone;
• ephedrine, etc.

Cortisol is elevated

Cortisol concentrations increase with hyperfunction of the adrenal glands (hypercortisolism). Also, excess cortisol can be artificially provoked with the help of medications, including those intended for the treatment of diseases not related to the endocrine system and adrenal glands.

If the body independently produces cortisol more than normal, the following pathologies should be diagnosed:

• Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
• pituitary dysfunction and insufficient ACTH secretion, which leads to increased cortisol. This can occur due to the systematic use of medicinal ACTH substitutes, as well as as a result of additional production of adrenocorticotropic hormone by abnormal cells of various organs;
• pathologies of the adrenal glands against the background of benign and cancerous formations (adenoma, carcinoma), hyperplasia of their tissues.

A functional (indirect) increase in cortisol levels can be caused by the following factors:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• puberty;
• mental disorders (stress, depression);
• systemic diseases and pathologies of the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis, failure);
• anorexia or obesity;
• chronic alcoholism;
• multiple cysts in the ovaries.

Cortisol below normal

Low concentration of the hormone in the blood can be caused by the following reasons:

• a sharp decrease in body weight;
• congenital insufficiency of the adrenal cortex;
• pituitary dysfunction (hypopituitarism);
• adrenogenital syndrome;
• disruption of the functioning of the endocrine system and its main glands (especially the thyroid);
• taking medications that artificially reduce hormone levels;
• liver failure, as well as systemic diseases and tumors.

The analysis is deciphered by a general practitioner and/or therapist. To diagnose diseases of the endocrine system, the result is sent to an endocrinologist.

Preparing for analysis

The biological material for analysis is venous blood.

Important! A cortisol test is prescribed before the start of long-term drug therapy or 7-12 days after completion of the course. In case of emergency, the patient must notify the doctor about taking all medications: name, duration of use, dosage and frequency.

• The analysis is carried out strictly on an empty stomach.
• It is advisable to limit the consumption of drinks 4 hours before the procedure, and in the morning on the day of the test, drink only still water.
• The day before the procedure, reduce the consumption of fatty, smoked, fried and spicy foods.
• Stop drinking alcohol the day before the test, and stop smoking cigarettes at least 2-3 hours before the test.
• Stress and exercise, lifting heavy weights and playing sports release cortisol into the blood, which can distort the result. On the eve of the procedure, you should avoid mental and physical stress. The last half hour before the test must be spent in peace.

The resulting serum is sent to the laboratory for testing using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Duration: 1-2 days after taking the biomaterial.