Cortisol, the stress hormone

January 18, 2018
News

Cortisol is fundamental for our body and may cause an ambulance if its values are too high or too low.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by cells located on the zona fasciculata adrenal gland in response to the Adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH.

Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it increases during psychophysical stressful situations, for example: after a prolonged and intense physical activity, surgery, sudden temperature changes or long periods without food.

During physical activity, cortisol levels increase only to stabilize during post workout recovery. This brief hormone spike strengthens the immune system, memory, it regulates appetite, sexual health, it stimulates weight loss, etc…

Cortisol effects

Cortisol is used by the body in different ways, among the most important are: to control sugar levels in the blood and regulate metabolism, to contribute in reducing inflammation, to support memory management and control artery pressure.

Medium levels of cortisol

The maximum peak of cortisol levels usually occurs around 8 am. The levels decrease dramatically during the evening and during the first hours of sleep. A blood or urine test is needed to know our cortisol levels.

Reference values* are as follows:

adult (at 8:00 am) 100-200 micrograms/l or 250-550 mnol/l;
adult (at 8:00 pm) 100 micrograms/l;
child up to 10 years old: 50-100 micrograms/l.

* Values may vary slightly according to the laboratory used during analysis.

High cortisol levels

What are some of the side effect caused by excessive levels of cortisol?

quick weight gain, especially on face, abdomen and chest;
face blemishes and skin changes;
high blood pressure;
osteoporosis and fractures;
mood swings;
anxiety and depression;
decreased sex drive
migraine;
acne.

Low levels of cortisol

Side effects of low levels of cortisol may be similar to those listed above, in addition the person may also experience:

fatigue;
loss of muscle mass;
difficulty in waking up in the morning;
memory problems;
intollerance towards other people;
salty food cravings

Regulating cortisol levels with Ke Forma

KeForma produces Corti Blocker supplements for those who desire maintaining their muscular tone and volume even after intense training sessions.

The synergic action between phosphatidylserine and HMB prevents the burning of muscle mass for energy keeping it intact and strong.

Phosphatidylserine specifically helps to lower and control cortisol levels that are the real enemy for those who train intensely and frequentely.