Monitoring one’s health is critical, especially as we grow older. Sometimes we tend to ignore the signs and symptoms that indicate a problem that could have been easily avoided if detected earlier. With so many chemicals and hormones regulating our bodies, there are chances that minor imbalances could lead to major problems. This is why it is best to keep a check on your body.
One such hormone is cortisol. Now, you may be wondering what cortisol is – to put it simply, cortisol is a stress hormone that acts as our body’s alarm system. It is responsible for regulating many different aspects of our brain and body, which is why it is extremely important that the right levels are constantly maintained.
Both low and high levels of cortisol come with their own series of issues, so let’s discuss the main symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment of low cortisol levels.
How does cortisol work?
Before we move ahead and talk about the symptoms, let’s take a step back and understand what exactly cortisol is and how it works in our bodies. Cortisol or hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating many different vital processes in the human body. It is produced in the cortex of the adrenal gland and helps regulate the immune system, metabolism, and more.
The majority of the cells in the human body carry receptors for the hormone, which means that it performs different actions depending on which cell it interacts with. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work to control how much cortisol should be released depending on the levels present in your blood. While usually the right response is produced, sometimes things go wrong, which leads to an under or overproduction of cortisol.
What happens when there are low levels of cortisol?
If there is an underproduction of cortisol, this means that there is an issue with either the pituitary or the adrenal gland. Not having the right levels in the bloodstream can result in a wide variety of problems that can be detrimental to healthy bodily functions.
Cortisol deficiency can be associated with Addison’s disease that needs to be properly diagnosed by a doctor called an endocrinologist. After the right procedure and tests, they may prescribe Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, as a treatment option.
What are the symptoms of low cortisol levels?
If your body is not producing enough cortisol, the symptoms will likely appear slowly and not at once. However, it is essential to keep an eye out and get help at the right time because this condition can be life-threatening if left untreated. Here are some symptoms of low cortisol levels that you need to keep an eye out for:
- Darkening of skin, especially in the folds
- Unexplained fatigue felt all the time
- Weakness in the muscles
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and resulting weight loss
- Low blood pressure
How is cortisol deficiency diagnosed?
If anybody is experiencing one or more such symptoms, they need to get help immediately. It would be best to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist and go in for a check-up.
Upon discussing the case, the doctor will prescribe a series of tests to get to the correct diagnosis. This is often through a blood test that is done twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening around four pm. A needle is inserted into the vein, and a blood sample is drawn out and sent to the lab. Once the results come back, the doctor is able to read the ranges to come to a conclusion.
How is low cortisol treated?
If the results come back with an indication that there are low levels of cortisol, then your healthcare provider will draw the right treatment plan based on your specific needs. Medicines such as prednisone may be prescribed to regulate cortisol levels.
There are also other holistic ways in which you can achieve this. One of the ways is to reduce stress and improve your overall routine. This would include practicing proper sleeping habits that ensure you are getting the right rest. It also includes nutritious foods and adequate exercise. Patients are also put on hormone therapy at times.
Final thoughts
Cortisol is a vital hormone needed for your body to work at its optimal level. There are several reasons why the internal processes that regulate its production may go haywire, leading to a variety of different problems. The best way to avoid this situation is to stay aware of low cortisol levels’ signs and symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle with low-stress levels.