The most common causes of elevated cortisol in women: symptoms and treatment methods for hypercortisolism

The importance of cortisol for the female body

One of the most important endocrine organs in humans is the adrenal glands. They are located on the upper poles of both kidneys. The functioning of this organ determines how adequately a person reacts to stressful situations and how quickly he can adapt in unfavorable conditions.

In the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, glucocorticoids are formed - hormones that suppress allergic and immune reactions, reducing the level of inflammation in the body. One of them is cortisol.

Cortisol is the most important participant in carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Its main function is considered to be the conservation of energy even in sudden stressful situations.

The hormone stimulates the breakdown of glucose in order to store glycogen in the human liver. It is these energy resources that are consumed during times of increased danger.

Functions of cortisol:

1. Preservation of glucose in muscles while activating its breakdown in other organs. This function will allow you to activate your muscles as much as possible when it is necessary to react physically to circumstances: fight in self-defense or quickly leave a dangerous place or run away.
2. Normalizing blood pressure with an increased heart rate is another protective function of the hormone. This will minimize the likelihood of a heart attack during times of stress.
3. Thoughts become clearer and brain function is activated. The action of the hormone promotes maximum mental concentration on the problem that has arisen.
4. Cortisol normalizes the functioning of the liver, is a natural hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory substance that reduces the body's immune response to external irritants.
5. As the baby develops in the womb, cortisol is involved in the formation of the baby's lungs.

Description and functions of the hormone

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and is considered the most active of all glucocorticoid hormones. This important substance is involved in the regulation of fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

Cortisol is often called the hormone of stress or even death. Indeed, the release of large amounts of cortisol is directly related to stress and overwork. The production of cortisol is a kind of protective measure of the body. It is produced in order to neutralize stress by releasing additional energy for the functioning of all organs and systems under conditions of increased stress. And for this there is the closest source of energy - muscle tissue.

Cortisol released during overload enters the bloodstream, contributing to an increase in blood pressure and an increase in blood glucose levels.

This mechanism ensures full functioning of the brain under conditions of severe stress. The easiest and fastest way to get important nutritional components, the same amino acids and glucose, from muscle tissue. This is why persistently elevated cortisol in women often leads to overweight and obesity. The loss of energy and nutrients causes severe “nervous” hunger. This body strives to restore lost reserves, but we rarely give it healthy foods.

It is common for women to “eat up” stress with sweets and baked goods, that is, those that promote the production of endorphins—pleasure hormones. This is how our body tries to cope with a stressful situation. Lack of adequate exercise, overeating, junk and fatty foods, deteriorating muscles - all this together, combined with the production of cortisol, easily leads to fat accumulation and obesity. And this, in turn, causes a further chain reaction, provoking numerous dangerous diseases.

Causes of increased cortisol levels

Cortisol is increased in women (the reasons for this phenomenon lie in stress, since the secretion of the adrenal cortex is a stress hormone) immediately when an unforeseen situation arises.

In a split second, special secretions are formed in the brain (first in the hypothalamus, and then in response in the pituitary gland), provoking the release of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Receptors that respond to the presence of cortisol are found in all human organs and tissues.

For the body, a stressful situation can become:

• lack of food, including during diets;
• circumstances causing fear;
• increased physical activity, especially longer than 60 minutes;

• anxiety and excitement on the eve of sports competitions or before exams;
• difficult situations and troubles associated with work;
• inflammation;
• all types of injuries;
• pregnancy, during which cortisol levels can increase 2-5 times.

A constant elevated amount of cortisol in the blood indicates the presence of chronic inflammatory processes, permanent stress in a person’s life, as well as possible hormonal imbalances.

When analyzing the state of the body, it is necessary to make adjustments for the woman’s increased emotionality. In addition, increased rates can be obtained with serious diseases such as liver cirrhosis or severe renal pathology. The intake of estrogens, female sex hormones, has a significant effect on the level of cortisol in the blood.

Cortisol is elevated in women (reasons given) may be due to:

• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• polycystic ovary syndrome - a disease characterized by a large number of cystic formations;
• alcohol and drug abuse, smoking;
• depression.

Cortisol is elevated: causes and symptoms

Irritability, weakness, hunger, depression and apathy are signs of increased cortisol!

Elevated cortisol in women can occur for the following reasons:

• Stress of different types and origins.
• Diabetes.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Hepatitis.
• Benign and malignant adrenal tumors (adenoma, cancer).
• Hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function).
• Cushing's syndrome.
• Pituitary adenomas.
• AIDS.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Depression.
• Obesity.
• Taking certain medications (atropine, glucocorticoid hormones of synthetic origin, opium-based drugs, hormonal contraceptives and estrogens).
• Alcoholism.
• Anorexia.

Such a list of threatening diseases suggests that identifying high levels of cortisol may be an indicator of serious trouble in a woman’s body. This condition requires a quick examination and diagnosis to accurately determine the true cause of the increase in data on this hormone. This will help you begin treatment as quickly as possible and cope with dangerous diseases and conditions.

More information about the hormone cortisol can be found in the video:

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An increase in cortisol is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. A person feels stressed, even if there are no objective reasons for this.
2. The patient is irritated, anxious, nervous and anxious, even without any reason. Sleep may be disturbed - the patient either sleeps poorly or does not sleep at all, suffering from insomnia. It is also possible that the patient constantly wants to sleep - this is how the body tries to protect itself from severe stress in order to save the psyche and nervous system from overload.
3. Metabolism goes wrong. As a result of such a malfunction, a woman literally experiences a “wolfish” appetite, which she tries to satisfy with heavy, fatty and sweet foods. This further aggravates the situation, causing obesity.
4. High levels of cortisol provoke changes in the production of other hormonal substances, which further aggravates problems in the body.
5. Muscle exhaustion and weakening occurs. As a result, the woman feels severe weakness throughout her body, it is difficult for her to walk, she suffers from shortness of breath, weakness, muscle and joint pain.
6. Apathy, depression, reluctance to live - all these symptoms are especially pronounced in women under the influence of large doses of cortisol.

How to normalize hormone levels

To stabilize the body's condition and clearly prevent the destructive activity of cortisol, it is necessary to quickly take effective action. Elevated cortisol in women cannot be ignored - the risk of serious consequences is too high.

A whole range of actions is used for treatment:

• Drug treatment. It is used only by a doctor and only in severe cases when it is necessary to quickly correct the situation.
• The right diet. To neutralize the harmful effects of the hormone and restore muscles, it is recommended to consume sources of easily digestible proteins in the form of dairy products, cottage cheese and eggs. You need to give up uncontrolled eating, set yourself the right daily routine, do not overeat or abuse sweets, and if necessary, “lose” excess weight.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. They are needed to restore normal balance and metabolism.
• Reasonable physical activity. They will help restore the function of weakened muscles.
• Adequate rest and sleep at least 7 - 8 hours at night.
• Quitting bad habits, including coffee abuse.
• Change your job or type of activity if it provokes stable stress.

All women have the ability to cope with high cortisol levels. If the cause is an illness, allocate time and money for its treatment, because you have one life and nothing is more valuable than it. If the reason for such indicators is stress, do everything so that it does not affect you anymore. We all deserve a calm and healthy life, and we have the power to achieve it.

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Signs and symptoms

In the following cases, there is every reason to get tested for total hydrocortisol:

1. There are signs of too early puberty in a teenager.
2. Reduced bone density due to osteoporosis.

3. Thinning muscle mass and causeless weight loss.
4. Pronounced manifestation of acne in adulthood.
5. Significant impairment of skin pigmentation.
6. A depressed state caused by a decrease in the activity of happiness hormones (serotonin and dopamine) under the influence of high doses of cortisol.
7. Wounds that do not heal for a long time.

For women, characteristic signs of increased secretion of the stress hormone are:

• excessive body hair (hirsutism);
• irregular monthly cycle;
• untreatable thrush;
• constant desire to eat something sweet and fatty.

Consequences of increased cortisol for the body

The main negative consequences for a woman of an upward rise in cortisol:

1. The percentage of lean body mass decreases, the percentage of fat mass increases. As a result, the contours of the body take on an unpleasant appearance: the woman looks overweight, unathletic, and unhealthy.
2. The belly grows: the so-called abdominal type of obesity develops. The figure takes on the shape of an “apple”.
3. Over time, type 2 diabetes develops. It is worth considering that quite often it also becomes the cause of increased cortisol in women after 40 years. The symptoms are typical: constant thirst, weight gain, weakness, dizziness, dry and itchy skin, etc.
4. The level of all other hormones is disrupted, as a result of which the reproductive system suffers.
5. Immunity decreases: a woman catches colds more often and suffers from various kinds of infectious diseases.
6. The risk of developing pathologies of the cardiovascular system increases.
7. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases.

How to Check Your Cortisol Levels

To determine the concentration of stress hormone in the blood, you can take the following types of tests:

• urine collected per day is intended for the study of free cortisol;
• blood from a vein – will allow timely identification of systemic pathologies in the endocrine and hormonal systems;

• saliva – contains free molecules of the stress hormone.

Foods that increase cortisol

If you want to reduce its level, try, if not refuse, then at least reduce the consumption of the following products. This will not only help you maintain youthful skin, but also significantly improve your health.

• Trans fats—These are labeled on labels as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” vegetable fats.
• Processed vegetable oils (heated, filtered, chemically treated) - such oils are not only useless for the body, but also cause harm, leading to inflammation, disrupting the immune system and hormonal balance. It is better to use less processed oils, such as olive, coconut, butter (homemade or more than 82%).
• Fruit juices – These do not contain fiber and also increase blood glucose levels. These two factors lead to an increase in cortisol. It is better to eat fresh fruits.
• Intolerance to any product - this could be eggs, onions or garlic, shellfish, cereals with gluten, etc. Avoid these foods in your diet.
• Refined Sugar and Chocolate – If you are serious about reducing your stress levels, you need to avoid anything that contains refined sugar and chocolate. These two products provoke a strong release of cortisol and adrenaline, as a result you feel better, but only for a while. Once your sugar levels return to normal, you will want more.
• Low-fiber carbohydrates - these include cereal flakes, bread, and cookies. Such foods are quickly digested, resulting in a sharp jump in sugar and the release of insulin, and then cortisol, after which the sugar drops.
• Caffeine - If your stress hormones are normal, a little quality coffee bean a day won't hurt. But if you regularly experience high levels of stress, cutting out caffeine will greatly benefit you.

Work with your emotions, maintain a sleep schedule, go out into nature more often, and eliminate the wrong foods from your diet. After all, this is so important, and not only for youthful skin, but also for the quality of your life.

How to take a cortisol test correctly

Women donate blood from a vein regardless of menstruation; the test is taken on an empty stomach in the morning (no later than 10 o’clock). On the eve of blood donation, alcohol consumption is excluded, and severe physical or emotional stress is unacceptable.

In some cases, it is possible to measure cortisol levels using a urine test, which examines all urine collected over a 24-hour period.

Before submitting urine for cortisol testing, you must prepare as follows:

1. At least 2 days before collection, you must stop taking hormonal and diuretic drugs.
2. On the day of the test, smoking and excessive physical activity are excluded, and the possibility of stressful situations is minimized.
3. All urine is collected in a clean container, which is stored in the refrigerator.
4. The last portion of urine is collected at the same time as the first.

To more accurately identify daily fluctuations in the hormone, saliva analysis is performed. The material is collected at 8 a.m. on an empty stomach, the second collection occurs between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. Before taking the test at night, you must refuse to eat for at least 4 hours. The day before saliva collection, you should not brush your teeth.

Hormone norm and determination of its level

The level of cortisol in women's blood is not constant. During the day its level changes. It reaches its maximum concentration at 6-8 am, the minimum concentration is closer to midnight. Normally, it varies between 138-690 nmol/l (or 4.7-23.2 μg/dl). During pregnancy, cortisol levels rise to 206-1141 nmol/l.

The concentration of a substance in the blood can only be determined through laboratory testing. To do this, you need to donate venous blood for cortisol in the morning on an empty stomach.

Preparation for a cortisol test includes:

• 12 hours before, exclude foods with animal fats,
• reduce salt intake to 2 g per day,
• do not smoke 4 hours before the test,
• 3 days in advance, eliminate alcohol, intense physical activity,
• stop taking hormonal medications,
• minimize emotional stress.

Cortisol norm.

Cortisol is increased in women (the reasons for this fact may be physiological) in the early morning hours from 6.00 to 8.00 am. During this period, the cortisol level is 2-5 times higher than the evening level.

Under normal circumstances, the concentration of the hormone gradually decreases throughout the day. At midnight, the lowest concentration of this hormone in the blood is observed. Sleeping during the day causes a temporary increase in the concentration of the substance immediately after waking up.

The normal amount of cortisol in the blood of women, depending on the time of day:

The range of normal levels of cortisol in the blood has a fairly wide range and varies depending on the age and individual characteristics of the person.

Blood cortisol levels:

A normal level of cortisol in urine will be between 28.5 and 213.7 mcg per day. The upper permissible value of the indicator in morning saliva is 19.1 nmol/l; for evening analysis, the maximum permissible cortisol level is 9.4 nmol/l.

How to reduce cortisol levels in the blood

In cases where hypersecretion of cortisol is associated with a particular disease, it is actively treated by a doctor of the appropriate profile (endocrinologist, gynecologist, hepatologist, narcologist).

If the increase in cortisol is due to functional reasons, modification of lifestyle and diet is recommended to reduce it.

In pregnant women, cortisol is increased twofold or more (there may be a fivefold increase), but this is not a pathology.

1. Stick to a daily routine, devoting sufficient time for proper rest and night sleep.
2. Go to bed no later than 10 pm, sleep duration should be 8-9 hours. If you have difficulty falling asleep, you should consult a doctor to select a sleeping pill.
3. Bring as many positive emotions into your life as possible.
4. Learn relaxation techniques and develop stress tolerance.
5. Drink enough water (1.5-2 liters) throughout the day.
6. Avoid drinks rich in caffeine (coffee, strong tea, cola, energy drinks) and give preference to water instead.
7. Regularly include fish dishes, especially sea fish, in your diet. If this is not possible for one reason or another, you can take fish oil in capsules.
8. Eliminate refined foods from the diet (white rice, pasta, confectionery, white bread).
9. Avoid activities that cause a significant increase in heart rate (such as running or cycling), as they increase cortisol levels. Pilates, yoga, and swimming are recommended instead.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Consequences of elevated cortisol

Elevated cortisol levels in women can cause pathological consequences. One of the most important characteristics of this hormone is its long-lasting effect. After the end of a stressful situation, the level of the hormone in the blood continues to be elevated for some time.

Elevated cortisol levels in women and men cause stress, which in turn causes damage to the brain

In sensitive people, a series of problematic situations leads to a chronic increase in cortisol in the blood , as a result of which the pulse constantly increases, the brain works in a stressful mode, the body wears out and ages. To replenish glycogen reserves, even glucose from protein muscle mass is processed.

As a result of such a long process, cortisol obesity can occur, the symptoms of which are:

• Thin legs;
• thinned muscles;
• accumulations of fat mainly on the abdomen and chest.

Cortisol: what is it?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The hormone is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It activates the production of energy necessary to support the body's vital functions under conditions of overexertion, using muscle tissue for this. Excess cortisol in the blood means that a woman’s body is trying to overcome stress and exhaustion.

The role of cortisol

What is this for a woman? During short-term stress in the body, under the influence of cortisol, the following processes occur:

• increase in glucose levels;
• improved concentration;
• increase in bronchial volume;
• jump in blood pressure;
• accelerated heartbeat;
• decreased digestive activity;
• breakdown of fats;
• prevents inflammation;
• activation of metabolic processes.

The Importance of Cortisol for Athletes

Cortisol prevents muscle building by breaking down proteins into amino acids.
Under conditions of increased stress, it accumulates, the athlete’s muscles weaken, and exhaustion appears. If an athlete needs to build muscle, it is necessary to control the level of the hormone in the blood.

Cortisol and pregnancy

The transition to an “emergency” mode of high alert in the body can occur not only under the influence of stress, but also with thoughts or memories of it. In this case, not only does the heart rate increase and breathing accelerates, but such important processes as digestion and restoration of the body are temporarily suspended.

The level of stress hormone in the body of a pregnant woman begins to increase, starting from the second trimester. In the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, the concentration of cortisol secretion in the blood is comparable to its level in people suffering from melancholic depression or Cushing's disease.

Thus, the hormone level in an adult non-pregnant woman ranges from 0 to 25 mcg/dl. In the first trimester, the acceptable level of the substance ranges from 7 to 19 mcg/dl, the second trimester is characterized by a range of 10-42 mcg/dl, and the third - from 12 to 50 mcg/dl.

An increase in cortisol at the very beginning of pregnancy is caused by the need to protect the growing fetus from the mother's immunity , to suppress her immune response to the new organism taking hold in the uterus. An increase in the concentration of secretions in a woman’s blood towards the end of pregnancy makes her more stress-resistant.

Thus, during the experiments it was found that when pregnant women immersed their hands in ice water in their final stages, there was no surge in the stress hormone; it remained at the same (constantly elevated) level.

What is the hormone cortisol

What happens in the body during a stressful situation? You were scared of something, got nervous somewhere, or something not entirely pleasant happened, he begins to show a defensive reaction. Your adrenal glands begin to produce a hormone called cortisol. What is it?

It is necessary for you to cope with stress, so the body really needs it. It's like 911.

But what happens when you experience it constantly, day after day? Cortisol levels rise and begin to exceed the permissible limit.

The fact is that it increases the level of glucose in the blood, which is one of the main sources of energy. But if its concentration begins to exceed the norm, this is fraught with serious health problems.

Effect on skin

With an increase in blood glucose, dehydration of the dermis increases and its tone decreases, because sugar destroys the natural protection of the integument - the hydrolipid mantle, and a small rash appears.

“Cortisol affects all organs, each vessel becomes more fragile, new cells are not formed as quickly as usual, and their regeneration slows down by half. The dermis ages from the inside, says Irina Minakova, head of the department of aesthetic and restorative medicine at the GLMED longevity and beauty residence. — During a fright, a person also experiences certain emotions. In this regard, the stress and fear hormone adrenaline is produced. There is a sharp narrowing of blood vessels in the skin, which gives it a pale, dull appearance.”

At elevated levels, the production of proteins important for the dermis, such as elastin and collagen, as well as the amount of hyaluronic acid, slows down. This causes a decrease in turgor and the appearance of wrinkles.

Stress also increases blood pressure, which causes rosacea and rosacea due to dilated blood vessels.

In cosmetology there is already such a thing as psychodermatosis - this is when constant tension and depression are reflected on the skin. Chronic fatigue, psychological stress, personal problems can manifest themselves as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, urticaria, etc.

When a woman is emotionally exhausted, she is weakened, so her muscles lose tone and sag. If, on the contrary, she is constantly under great tension and does not rest, her muscles will spasm. Both lead to the formation of wrinkles on the face.

Symptoms of high cortisol

In addition to the negative impact on the skin, the following are the main symptoms that you can observe with elevated cortisol, when its level is higher than the permissible norm.

Of course, these symptoms could be caused by other abnormalities, but if stress is an integral part of your life, then it may be the cause.

1. Swelling due to fluid retention in the body.
2. Gaining weight without overeating or even eating very little.
3. Mood swings - sometimes you laugh, sometimes you want to cry.
4. Irritability and agitation - everything irritates you and you worry about any minor issue.
5. Insomnia - you cannot sleep at night because your brain is in an excited state and is constantly thinking about various situations that happened to you during the day.
6. Decreased libido.

Symptoms of Low Cortisol

Our body is designed in such a way that if something threatens it, it begins to turn on defensive reactions. The same thing happens with cortisol, if there is already too much of the hormone, it begins to escape from its excess, giving a signal to the adrenal glands to reduce its production.

It is also harmful and is manifested by the following symptoms:

1. Apathy - it’s as if you have no strength, you become indifferent and indifferent to everything that happens around you.
2. Loss of muscle tone - the body becomes loose and flabby, even though you go to the gym.
3. It is difficult for you to wake up in the morning, because he is the one who “wakes you up” every morning. And if its concentration in the body is below the permissible norm, then it will be very difficult for you to wake up.
4. Decreased libido.

How to measure cortisol levels. Norm for men and women by age (table)

It can be measured by taking a complete blood and urine test.

Not so long ago, scientists have already developed a special patch that will measure the amount of the hormone in droplets of sweat. It is currently being tested and refined.

The norm for men and women by age table is in a calm state throughout the day:

The level under stress increases by 2.5-3 times.

The level in a state of shock increases 6-10 times higher than normal. Such a jump is not critical for health, since 1.5-2 hours after the experience, cortisol half-life occurs, and its excess is excreted in the urine.

Concentration during pregnancy (from the 3rd trimester) increases 2-5 times higher than normal. Thus, the body mobilizes all its strength for childbirth.

Drug treatment for high cortisol

Based on the results of the examination, the endocrinologist can diagnose “hypercortisolism,” which is characterized by excessive production of hormones by the adrenal glands.

In acute cases, hormonal therapy may be prescribed, which is prepared by a doctor, based on the reasons for the increase in stress hormone. Hormonal drugs are potent drugs that have many side effects, and therefore are prescribed only in extreme cases in very limited doses.

Some non-hormonal drugs have the function of blocking cortisol:

1. Clenbuterol – refers to effective medications against asthma, at the same time it can block the stress hormone.
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2. Hydroxymethylbutyrate - refers to leucine derivatives (muscle growth activators).
3. Cortidren.

Abuse of blockers without prior consultation with a doctor can lead to hormonal imbalance in the body, which will be the impetus for the development of many concomitant diseases.

Reasons for the increase

All reasons for increased cortisol can be divided into 2 main categories - internal and functional. Each group of factors has certain characteristics.

Internal factors

They are also divided into 2 categories. The first group includes the dependent form. Adrenocorticotropic hormone of the pituitary gland provokes increased functioning of the adrenal glands. As a result of these processes, the content of cortisol in the blood increases. This may be a consequence of such factors:

1. Long-term use of artificial analogues of pituitary hormones.
2. Itsenko-Cushing's disease. This anomaly occurs due to damage to the pituitary gland and brain. It is detected by examining the amount of stress hormone in the patient’s urine.
3. Ectopic ACTH syndrome. In this case, ACTH production increases. This causes increased functioning of the adrenal cortex and leads to an increase in cortisol.

The second group includes the independent form. In such a situation, the provoking factors are the following:

1. Primary adrenal hyperplasia;
2. Adrenal adenoma;
3. Adrenal carcinoma.

Internal factors for increasing cortisol levels include pathologies that are caused by hormonal imbalances in the body.

Functional reasons

There are situations when diagnostics fail to identify endogenous factors that increase the stress hormone. However, there are many other diseases that can lead to such problems. In such a situation, we are talking about the development of functional hypercortisolism.

The provoking factors of the disease are the following:

• Excess weight;
• Anorexia nervosa;
• Pregnancy;
• Liver diseases;
• Frequent depression and stress;
• AIDS;
• Hypoglycemia;
• Diabetes mellitus at the stage of decompensation.

Diet

When elevated levels of cortisol are detected in the body, it is recommended to change dietary habits, which can significantly smooth out cortisol surges:

1. Sufficient protein content in the diet will save the body from loss of muscle mass due to increased stress hormones. Eggs, fish, poultry, meat should become a basic component of the diet, while foods with a high glycemic index (sugar-containing foods, white flour) should be completely excluded.
2. Excessive cortisol production is often a normal reaction of the body to too many eicosanoids, derivatives of omega-6 fatty acids. The dietary balance should be adjusted towards increasing omega-3 fats by including fatty wild fish in the menu and significantly reducing the amount of omega-6 consumed in the form of vegetable oil and animal fats.
3. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and antidepressant; its regular use, even in the form of ascorbic acid, reduces the secretion of cortisol. The diet should include a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as rosehip tea.
4. Caffeine and energy drinks lead to constant releases of cortisol, so you should reduce the amount of them in your diet as much as possible.

5. Dehydration, which can occur unnoticed if there is no clean water in the diet, leads to an increase in the concentration of the stress hormone. The optimal amount of water per day is 8 glasses. Tea and coffee have a diuretic effect, cereals and dried fruits take up a lot of fluid, swelling in the intestines, and therefore additional water intake is physically necessary for the body.
6. To normalize hormonal levels, you should eat regularly, without skipping meals. Hunger leads to the release of cortisol.

Treatment

If the increase in cortisol in the blood or urine is caused by some disease, then it must be treated. Doctors almost never prescribe medications specifically to lower cortisol, but they are popular among strength athletes.

Cortisol blockers or anti-catabolics suppress its secretion in the body or reduce activity. Used by athletes to maximize the preservation of muscle tissue after a course of anabolic and androgenic steroids or when losing weight (so-called cutting).

Incompetent self-medication with such drugs can cause irreparable harm to health.

Lifestyle

The main recommendations here would be to reduce stress and strain, as well as get proper rest:

• Good sleep at least 7-8 hours a day, in silence, coolness, in a ventilated area and comfortable pastels.
• Avoidance and prevention of stressful situations.
• Positive emotions: communication with friends, active recreation, time with pets, favorite music, etc.
• Daily meditation or prayer makes your mood more stable and lowers cortisol.
• Regular moderate physical activity: fitness, running, swimming, cycling, etc.
• Information hygiene: stop watching the news and reading the tabloids.

Diet

The main tips would be to reduce the consumption of foods that stimulate the nervous system in favor of those that have a calming effect:

• Give up sugar or minimize its consumption, replace it with sweet berries and fruits. In case of complete refusal, you can use sweeteners.
• Avoid coffee and energy drinks.
• Drink black tea.
• Eat foods rich in magnesium: bananas, figs, avocados, nuts and seeds.
• Add foods containing Omega-3 to your diet: fish, fish oil, caviar and seafood, green vegetables, flax seeds and flaxseed oil, legumes.

Avoiding sweets is especially important. Rapid and frequent changes in blood sugar and insulin levels are also associated with increased cortisol production.

Some nutritionists also advise taking care of preserving muscle tissue, which is destroyed by increased cortisol, and eating more protein foods, especially eggs and cottage cheese.

dietary supplements

The principle is the same as for the diet. But before taking dietary supplements, be sure to consult your doctor; you may need to take additional tests.

• Rhodiola rosea;
• Ashwagandha;
• Omega-3;
• Relora;
• Reishi mushroom;
• Liquorice root;
• Basil;
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan);
• Magnesium (in the form of salts: picolinate, citrate and others).

There are also various adaptogen complexes that combine these and other components.

Features of the mode

Cortisol is elevated in women (the reasons for this circumstance are significant physical and emotional stress), who do not have the opportunity to fully rest.

To normalize the functioning of the adrenal cortex, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. Ensure normal sleep lasting 7-8 hours, preferably falling asleep before 23.00.

2. Take an hourly break from heavy physical or mental work and a short rest relieves stress.
3. Learn to relax. At least 3 times a week for 30 minutes must be spent in an absolutely calm state, abstracting from problems. This could be meditation, taking a bath, prayer.
4. Laughter and fun give the body emotional release, pleasant communication in a relaxed atmosphere, and watching a funny movie are useful.
5. Calm physical activity that does not increase your heart rate suppresses cortisol. These include Pilates, yoga, and walking in the fresh air.
6. Pleasant sounds and favorite music promote relaxation.

Which doctor should I contact if I suspect an elevated level?

You can go to the clinic for advice from a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you suspect problems with hormone levels and require treatment. Medicines and medications for high cortisol in women can be prescribed only after receiving tests. The doctor should carefully review the results. Then it will become clear: the woman has increased cortisol. Both symptoms and causes can be either indirect or direct.

Assume that for any human individual, regardless of age, gender, race and weight, the level of cortisol in a normal relaxed state does not exceed 10 mg. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day. Starting from 80 mg, it is believed that measures should be taken to lower hormone levels. And if the data exceeds 180 mg, then we are talking about a very high indicator. This indicates the presence of severe stress, close to a state of shock, or very serious physical fatigue, even exhaustion of all strength.

Traditional medicine recipes

Licorice root should be taken in the form of a water infusion of 1 tbsp. from 3 to 5 times a day. To prepare the product, you need to pour 10-15 g of raw material with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml and leave for 20 minutes. The infusion is filtered. Licorice contains an enzyme that blocks cortisol.

Alcohol tincture of Rhodiola rosea (aka red brush) is taken 2-3 times a day, 10-15 drops. The dietary supplement is taken a quarter of an hour before meals. The minimum course is 10 days. The plant has general strengthening properties and suppresses the secretion of cortisol.

Physical activity and cortisol levels

The importance of physical activity in a woman’s life, regardless of her age, cannot be underestimated. Strength training is a kind of home treatment for high cortisol in women. The reasons that girls do not want to do physical education are usually laziness and lack of time.

Regular strength training helps increase testosterone levels. Do not be afraid of this: due to the peculiarities of the hormonal background, the girl will never “pump up”; on the contrary, her body will become slender, strong and flexible. And as a “bonus”, cortisol will return to normal. Of course, if the patient suffers from serious autoimmune and endocrine diseases, then exercise alone will not be enough to restore the hormone level to reference values.

If no serious pathologies were found during the examination, but the cortisol level is still off the charts, you should definitely seek help from sports. You don't have to buy a membership to an expensive gym - you can buy dumbbells and exercise at home. The main thing is to train regularly, subjecting all muscle groups to stress. The efforts will not be in vain: very soon the woman will notice the normalization of sleep and psycho-emotional background, she will become more cheerful, her performance will increase, her immunity will become much more active (viral diseases to which a woman is so susceptible with high cortisol levels will no longer bother her).

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What not to do if you have high cortisol

If you have problems falling asleep and waking up, you should not resort to alcohol and coffee - the situation will only worsen.

Any stress during this period is dangerous to health, you should avoid it as much as possible and try to calm down quickly. You should not engage in strenuous exercise for more than 45 minutes. When you exceed the recommended duration of training, the body begins to produce additional doses of cortisol.

The balance of the hormonal state in women is the key to good health, preservation of youth and excellent memory. The cause of disturbances in the body can be increased cortisol. It is important to learn how to cope with stress and lead a healthy lifestyle, striving for a positive attitude.

Author: Elena Zhukova.

Article design: Mila Friedan

What is chronic stress and what causes it?

The reasons why chronic stress develops (and, accordingly, symptoms of increased cortisol appear in women):

1. Being forced to be in psychologically uncomfortable conditions—staying in a job you don’t like, uncertainty about the future, financial problems. Similar situations are present to one degree or another in the life of every woman, but if the source of stress is not eliminated over time, depression and anxiety begin, and certain psychiatric diagnoses may be diagnosed.
2. Regular abuse of alcoholic beverages. Many women try to “relax” in this way, but this habit not only does not alleviate the psychological state, but plunges a person into real depression, since ethyl alcohol is a powerful sedative that disables not only the liver and pancreas, but also disrupts the balance of hormones , weakens the psyche and contributes to the death of hundreds of thousands of neurons.
3. Chronic diseases of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland lead to hormone imbalance. As a result, even with outward well-being, a woman can suffer from symptoms of depression, tormented by her supposed lack of fulfillment as a specialist, spouse, mother, daughter. In such patients, the condition and level of hormones level out after they take a course of the necessary medications.
4. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals - in particular, pyridoxine, thiamine, magnesium, iodine, iron. Chronic stress develops, resulting in symptoms of increased cortisol in a woman. In this case, it is enough to regularly take a high-quality vitamin and mineral complex, eat right and give up bad habits. The body’s condition stabilizes, and as a result, the symptoms of increased cortisol hormone in women disappear on their own. Vitamin and mineral deficiency is perhaps the mildest of all the reasons why chronic stress develops.
5. Diseases of internal organs, as well as pathologies of an autoimmune nature, also often cause chronic stress and increased cortisol in the blood of women. Symptoms may vary; an accurate diagnosis can be made by an experienced doctor. With AIDS, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, the level of the hormone may also increase.