Why You Must Check Your Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. It plays a role in the body's stress response and helps regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and immune function.

In short-term stress situations, cortisol can be helpful, but chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on the body.

Cortisol is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays many important roles, including:

• Regulating your body’s stress response

• Helping control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, or metabolism

• Suppressing inflammation

• Regulating blood pressure

• Regulating blood sugar

• Helping control the sleep-wake cycle

Symptoms of Low Cortisol

Prolonged stress can result in diminished cortisol and feelings of exhaustion or burnout. Symptoms of low cortisol includes:

• Fatigue and morning sluggishness

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Weakened immune system

• Brain fog or mid-day lack of focus

• Cravings for salty or sweet foods

• Muscle and joint pain

Symptoms of High Cortisol

As the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol surges when we perceive danger, and causes all the symptoms we associate with “fight or flight” increased blood pressure and heart rate, muscle tension, and decreased digestion, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

High cortisol levels over a prolonged period of time can also lead to more serious health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Are you tired of feeling burnt out? It's time to check your cortisol levels!