Cortisol is a chemical substance produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two tiny kidney shaped tissues situated right above the kidneys, one above each of the kidneys. The interior portion of the adrenal glands is called the adrenal medulla. It produces the adrenaline hormone. From the exterior portion of the adrenal glands, called the adrenal cortex, are produced the cortisol. It is also called hydrocortisone.



The main utility of the cortisol is to help you in handling long-term stressful situations. However if one goes through stressful situations for a long time, the levels of cortisol remain high for the same duration.

When the levels of cortisol in the blood stream become high the HPA axis feedback mechanism turns off the corticotrophin-releasing hormone. This is a signal for the brain and adrenal glands to decrease the production of cortisol. Under continuous periods of stress this feedback system becomes ineffective once it becomes stuck in the fight or flight mode.

If there is adequate rest in our lives and we are able to maintain a balance between our work and rest, the levels of cortisol are unlikely to remain high. Adequate rest and nutrition will ensure that if the levels of cortisol shoot up occasionally, it will not create a major set back for our bodies.

Some amount of cortisol in the blood stream is essential for life. It is necessary for normal brain, immune, muscle, blood sugar function, and blood circulation. One initial symptom of adrenal fatigue is high levels of cortisol.

Cortisol deficiency can cause Addison's disease, which is a potentially fatal illness. Excessive production of cortisol is equally damaging. The Adrenal Stress Index is a saliva test that can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Too much cortisol can cause abdominal obesity, high blood sugar ("adrenal diabetes") muscle wasting, bone loss, immune shutdown, brain (hippocampus) atrophy, poor wound healing, thin wrinkled skin, fluid retention and hypertension. Excessive cortisol can cause increased fatigue/decreased energy, irritability, impaired memory, depressed mood, decreased libido, insomnia, anxiety, impaired concentration, crying, restlessness, social withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness.

Chronically high cortisol may also lead to many diseases like cancer, ulcers, heart attacks, diabetes, infections, alcoholism, strokes, skin diseases, psychosis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and possibly Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. High Cortisol may contribute to obesity as it causes metabolic disruptions including insulin resistance. It also induces "stress overeating," especially in women.

High Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue Test An Adrenal Stress Index is a simple saliva test with which you can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. For the test you will have to collect saliva samples four times during the day, which determines a diurnal cortisol rhythm. If high cortisol levels or adrenal fatigue is discovered quickly it enhances your chances for recovery from more serious health problems.