Glucocorticoids Cortisol

An informative article on: Glucocorticoids Cortisol.

Glucocorticoids (GC) are a type of steroid hormone found in nearly every vertebrate animal cell and help to regulate the metabolism of glucose. There are three glucocorticoids; corticosterone, which is much less active; cortisone, which is inactive until converted to cortisol, and cortisol.

The high majority of glucocorticoid activity in most mammals is from cortisol (hydrocortisone), which is the most important human glucocorticoid and is essential for life. It regulates cardiovascular, metabolic, homeostatis functions, and the immune system, which is used to bring down inflammation for those suffering from allergies, asthma, arthritis, dermatitis, sepsis, and autoimmune diseases. When fasting, cortisol both maintains and increases normal concentrations of glucose in blood.

Glucocorticoids / Cortisol Uses

Cortisol is now highly used for a wide variety of conditions. It regulates blood glucose levels, raises insulin levels, inhibits both the growth hormone and the reproductive axis, increases cardiac output and vascular tone, decreases inflammation and swelling, and helps alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Cortisol is probably best known for helping the body use sugar (glucose) and fat for energy, resulting in an increased metabolism.

Cortisol Level Fluctuations

Cortisol levels normally rise during the early morning hours, reaching their highest peak at about 7:00 a.m. They then drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep. For those who sleep during the day and are up at night, this pattern may be reversed. Overactive adrenal glands, called Cushing’s disease, can modify this natural rhythm.

Control of Cortisol Secretion

Cortisol and other glucocorticoids are secreted, making the central nervous system the commander of glucocorticoid responses. Nearly any type of physical or mental stress or injury will result in elevated cortisol in the blood. This helps to prevent shock and manage stress and regulate moods. They also enhance the formation of flash memories of activities dealing with both positive and negative emotions. Blocking GCs can actually impair recollection of emotionally relevant information.

Excessive and Insufficient Glucocorticoids / Cortisol Side Effects

Excessive glucocorticoid levels may affect bone formation and suppress calcium absorption, which could lead to osteoporosis, slow healing wounds and infections, increase risk of infection, and muscle weakness, hypertension, obesity, thin skin, glaucoma and diabetes. Insufficient production of cortisol can lead to cardiovascular disease, edema, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Disease

Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is an insufficient production of cortisol. This disease results from an infectious disease or autoimmune destruction of the adrenal. Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, results from excessive levels of glucocorticoids. This is the most common disorder in glucocorticoids and has a widespread effect on both metabolism and organ function.

Glucocorticoids, cortisol specifically, are very important for the health of your body and mind. Keeping levels in the normal range is vital to avoiding side effects that may affect your health. A cortisol test can be done during a normal doctor’s visit and changes can be made or medications added to re-regulate your glucocorticoids and cortisol levels.