How to remove cortisol from the body naturally

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When a person is stressed, the adrenal glands release the steroid hormone cortisol.
Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, and it plays a role in many bodily functions, including controlling blood sugar levels. The level of cortisol in the blood is usually higher in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day.
Cortisol also plays a role in:

  • regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycles
  • managing how the body utilizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
  • reducing inflammation
  • controlling blood pressure

Here we consider some practical ways of lowering cortisol levels to help ensure that the body manages stress appropriately.

Why is higher cortisol an issue?

Stressed man at work wondering about ways to lower cortisolStress triggers the release of cortisol.

The body relies on effective communication between the following three parts of the body to release the correct amount of cortisol:

  • the adrenal gland
  • the pituitary gland
  • the hypothalamus, which is part of the brain

Between them, they stimulate the production of cortisol when the body needs it and block it when the levels need to drop back down.

Both too much and too little cortisol can have an adverse effect on the body.

High cortisol level symptoms

Excess cortisol could result from a tumor or as a side effect of some medications.

Too much cortisol can lead to Cushing’s syndrome. Symptoms include:

  • high blood pressure
  • a flushed face
  • muscle weakness
  • increased thirst
  • urinating more frequently
  • changes in mood, such as feeling irritable or low
  • rapid weight gain in the face and abdomen
  • osteoporosis
  • bruises or purple stretch marks appearing on the skin
  • decreased sex drive

Some people may also find that their periods become irregular or stop altogether.

Too much cortisol can also cause other conditions and symptoms, including:

  • high blood pressure
  • type 2 diabetes
  • fatigue
  • impaired brain function
  • infections

Low cortisol level symptoms

Too little cortisol could cause Addison’s disease. Symptoms of this condition include:

  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • muscle weakness
  • gradual weight loss
  • changes in mood
  • areas of the skin turning darker
  • low blood pressure

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