This is what a decrease in cortisol hormone causes in your body!

July 10, 2024

0 344

Do you feel dizzy when getting up quickly, constant fatigue, and loss of appetite? These symptoms and others may be caused by a decrease in cortisol hormone in the body, known for its role in managing stress and mental pressure. When cortisol levels are abnormally low, it can lead to a range of health problems and daily challenges. So, keep reading to learn about the symptoms of low cortisol in the body, possible causes, signs that may indicate it, and how to manage this condition.

1- What is cortisol hormone?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. It helps regulate the response to stress and pressure, and contributes to regulating blood sugar, combating inflammation, regulating blood pressure, and other functions. When there is a deficiency in cortisol levels in the body, it can cause a range of symptoms such as excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and muscle weakness. This condition is known as cortisol deficiency in the body.

2- What are the symptoms of cortisol hormone deficiency in the body?
If your body doesn’t produce enough of this hormone, you may be experiencing a condition doctors call Addison’s disease, with symptoms such as:

Feeling dizzy when getting up quickly: Decreased cortisol levels lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing up, causing dizziness.
Fatigue and loss of energy during the day: Cortisol regulates energy levels in the body, so its decrease causes excessive fatigue and loss of energy, impacting the ability to perform daily activities.
Sleep problems: Cortisol hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, its decrease affects sleep patterns and frequent nighttime awakenings, due to excessive daytime sleepiness from fatigue and energy loss. Just like its increase, which causes sleep problems and wakes up at 3 am.
Sensitivity or discomfort from light: A lack of cortisol can increase the body’s sensitivity to external stimuli such as lights, leading to discomfort when exposed to them.
Loss of appetite and weight: Cortisol deficiency leads to loss of appetite and desire to eat, leading to weight loss due to the hormone’s effect on metabolism in the body.
Intense cravings for salty or sweet foods: When cortisol levels are low, the body compensates by increasing cravings for foods high in salts or sugars.
Darkening of scars on the skin: Changes in the skin, such as the appearance of dark colors on wounds or scars. Because cortisol regulates the immune system function and wound healing process, its decrease in the body causes changes in skin composition and delays in wound healing, leading to darkening of scars.
Muscle weakness worsening over time: Cortisol regulates muscle stimulation and muscle strength maintenance. Therefore, when it is deficient, muscle strength decreases and deteriorates over time, especially in major muscles of the arms and legs.
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting: Since cortisol regulates digestive system functions, its deficiency causes disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting due to increased irritation and swelling in the stomach and intestines.
Low blood pressure: Cortisol regulates cardiovascular system functions, including blood pressure regulation. Therefore, when deficient, it causes low blood pressure due to weakened vascular effects and reduced heart pumping rate.

3- What are the causes of cortisol hormone deficiency in the body?
Decreased cortisol levels below normal are considered adrenal gland insufficiency, and its causes include the following:

Primary adrenal insufficiency: This insufficiency often occurs due to an autoimmune reaction, where your immune system attacks healthy cells in the adrenal glands without a known cause, known as Addison’s disease. Adrenal glands can also be damaged due to infections or loss of blood flow to the tissues, such as adrenal gland hemorrhage.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency: If you have a tumor or pituitary gland insufficiency, it may reduce the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that regulates cortisol. ACTH sends signals to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, so its deficiency leads to limited cortisol production.
Discontinuation of corticosteroid medications: If you suffer from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, or others, and you stop taking corticosteroid medications, it can cause a decrease in cortisol levels. This is especially true if you abruptly stop after long-term use.

4- Medical Tests to Detect Cortisol Deficiency in the Body

If your body is not producing enough cortisol, you will undergo some medical tests first to confirm cortisol levels, including:

Blood Cortisol Test: Cortisol levels in a blood sample taken from a vein are measured, allowing for an understanding of cortisol levels in the body.
Urinary Cortisol Test: Urine samples are collected throughout the day to measure cortisol levels.
Cortisol Stimulation Test: This test involves administering a dose of a stimulating hormone to force the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, after which cortisol levels in the blood are measured.

5- What is the treatment for cortisol deficiency in the body?

After undergoing tests and receiving a diagnosis, you will follow a treatment specifically designed to regulate the balance of this hormone in your body. If cortisol levels are low and you are diagnosed with Addison’s disease, medications containing hormones that are not adequately produced by the adrenal glands may be prescribed, such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, or prednisone. These medications are essential as they help compensate the body with the hormones it needs to manage multiple physiological functions, including stress response and immune system regulation. Using the treatment requires strict adherence to the recommended dosages prescribed by your doctor.

6- How do I increase cortisol levels in the body?
It’s also important to follow some steps that will help you restore cortisol levels in the body to normal, including:

Regulating sleep by ensuring you get an adequate amount of sleep at night, ideally no less than 8 hours, to give your body the rest it needs. To achieve this, try to avoid heavy, fatty meals before bedtime, and drink soothing hot beverages like chamomile tea or warm milk with honey. Additionally, it’s important to try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Following a healthy diet that includes whole grains, oats, vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods. These foods provide vitamins and minerals essential for supporting adrenal gland function and improving cortisol production. Eating a diet rich in fiber and protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels, contributing to balanced cortisol levels.
Drinking the Adrenal Cocktail, which consists of coconut water, lemon or orange juice, and salt. Other ingredients may include ginger, coconut milk, and cream of tartar, which are high in potassium. This cocktail is considered to help balance hormones like cortisol and promote increased energy levels.
Avoid excessive caffeine consumption and replace it with drinking water to maintain hydration and energy levels. Excessive caffeine intake can cause fluctuations in cortisol levels and increase feelings of stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, water helps maintain hydration and improve vital body functions.
Exposure to sunlight for 10-20 minutes helps increase cortisol levels and decrease melatonin. This helps regulate the body’s biological clock, enhancing cortisol production in the morning and reducing melatonin levels, the hormone responsible for sleep, at night. This balance helps improve energy levels and activity throughout the day.
Engage in morning exercise and meditation as they help calm your body, improve energy levels, and reduce stress. You can practice deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other outdoor physical activities.
Take Ashwagandha supplements as they provide gentle energy without being overwhelming. This herb is known for its ability to support adrenal function and reduce stress levels, thereby helping to naturally and balance cortisol levels.