The Effects of Cortisol on the Body

Cortisol affects many different functions of the body, helping to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation and assist with memory formation. It also has a controlling effects on salt and water balance while helping to maintain healthy blood pressure. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and then released into the blood. As Cortisol levels rise they block the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormones from the hypothalamus and adrenocorticotropic hormones from the pituitary and the drop of these hormones should naturally lower cortisol levels back into range. 

However, medications such as benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, antidepressants, prolonged periods of stress, poor diet and health challenges can cause prolonged high levels of Cortisol that cause negative effects that include: anxiety, depression, insomnia or irritability, Impaired cognitive performance, blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density, decrease in muscle tissue, suppressed thyroid function, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, poor inflammatory response in the body, and increased abdominal fat.

Additionally, there is a close relationship between Cortisol and Melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. Melatonin and Cortisol are designed to run opposite to each other. Cortisol levels should be high in the morning and reach their lowest point at bedtime, whereas Melatonin levels peak a few hours after Cortisol levels drop and decrease by morning. Sustained high levels of Cortisol interfere with the natural sleep patterns by reducing Melatonin production. Over-the-counter pain relievers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications and some antidepressants can interfere with Melatonin secretion at night, thus increasing Cortisol levels.

Prolonged use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) elevate Serotonin levels which cause the adrenal glands to release both Cortisol and Adrenaline (Epinephrine) to combat the excessive Serotonin. This initial calming gives the impression that boosting Serotonin is pleasant. However, over a prolonged period of time the adrenal glands may lose their efficiency and “Adrenal Exhaustion” can occur, with adrenaline levels dropping and Cortisol levels rising. Eventually, even Cortisol levels fall and this may help to explain why so many antidepressant users eventually experience extreme fatigue. 

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