Cortisol

Why is Cortisol important for your Healthspan?

‍Cortisol levels and their daily rhythm are important for maintaining overall physiological balance and supporting a long Healthspan. Chronic imbalances, particularly consistently elevated cortisol, can contribute to issues such as weight gain, high blood pressure, weakened immune function, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances. These effects can, over time, impact vitality and increase susceptibility to age-related conditions. Maintaining healthy cortisol patterns helps support metabolic health, immune resilience, and contributes to sustained well-being throughout life.

‍What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which are located on top of your kidneys. It is a key component of your body's "fight or flight" response, helping the body manage stress by providing energy through the breakdown of glucose, fats, and proteins. Beyond stress management, cortisol has a wide range of functions; it helps regulate blood sugar levels, influences metabolism, plays a role in reducing inflammation, assists in blood pressure regulation, and contributes to the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, typically being highest in the morning and lowest at night, following a diurnal rhythm that is important for various bodily processes.

‍How do we take action?

If cortisol levels are found to be outside a healthy range or show an irregular pattern, one should consult with a healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying causes. Strategies often involve lifestyle adjustments aimed at stress management, such as mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, optimizing sleep quality, and maintaining a balanced diet. Addressing chronic stressors and underlying medical conditions that might influence cortisol production is also important. Depending on the cause and severity of the imbalance, medical interventions may be considered to help restore healthy cortisol levels and rhythms, supporting overall physiological function and Healthspan.

‍Additional Sources

Notarianni E. (2017). Cortisol: Mediator of association between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus?. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 81, 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.04.008

Macfarlane, D. P., Forbes, S., & Walker, B. R. (2008). Glucocorticoids and fatty acid metabolism in humans: fuelling fat redistribution in the metabolic syndrome. The Journal of endocrinology, 197(2), 189–204. https://doi.org/10.1677/JOE-08-0054

Thau, L., Gandhi, J., & Sharma, S. (2022). Physiology, Cortisol. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL). http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/30855827

Oakley, R. H., & Cidlowski, J. A. (2013). The biology of the glucocorticoid receptor: new signaling mechanisms in health and disease. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 132(5), 1033–1044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.09.007

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