What is Cortisol - Robert Seik, PharmD

Cortisol, a hormone released from the adrenal glands, plays a very important role in the body and when it is not in balance the result can be disturbances in blood pressure, energy, emotions, and many, many more.   Dr.Robert Seik explains the importance of Cortisol in our bodies and whether too much or too little, both situations can lead to a disruptance in the body and poor health.   What is Cortisol, Cortisol is a hormone produced by our adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. The human body uses Cortisol to regulate energy and during times of stress, Cortisol is released and then it goes back down.   The natural rhythm of Cortisol release follows the sun. Early in the morning we start off with a low Cortisol level and as we wake up with light stimulation, we begin to make Cortisol. It elevates and gives us energy because it mobilizes glucose. Cortisol peaks around mid-day and as we get to the evening, it begins to taper off as the light goes away with the sun setting. Low Cortisol in the evening allows us to go to sleep and recover the hormone stored in our adrenal glands and get ready to follow the same rhythm the next day.   Dr. James Wilson, author of Adrenal Fatigue-The 21st Century Syndrome explains how modern day stresses, environmental toxins, and devices such as TVs and computers at night can disrupt the natural light. These types of stressors can make our natural Cortisol levels dysrhythmic.   During times of chronic stress, Cortisol loses that normal rhythm and can become elevated throughout the entire day. Signs of Cortisol excess will then become apparent. These symptoms are weight gain, anxiety and insomnia, bone loss and bruising with thin skin. Please look at the article to review a list of these symptoms.   Over time, the adrenal glands can't keep up any more, especially with disrupted sleep not allowing recuperation, and adrenal burnout or adrenal fatigue occurs.   The symptoms of adrenal deficiency or adrenal fatigue is the feeling of stress and weakness and fatigue from the lack of cortisol, which gives us energy.People experience hronic body aches and pains because cortisol is our natural anti-inflammatory in our body. Cortisol regulates our fluid levels and our electrolytes and when Cortisol is low we end up with low blood pressure. Because our fluids are low, we also end up with salt cravings. We also have cravings for sweets because our glucose is not regulated properly without Cortisol. We also have chronic allergies and asthma because our body's natural anti-inflammatory is depleted.   Robert Seik, PharmD, FAARFM,RKC owner of Partell Specialty Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy with two locations in Las Vegas.   by Robert Seik, PharmD