How Are Cortisol Levels and Stress Related? And What is Cortisol, Anyway?

You know sometimes when it seems like everybody is talking about something all of a sudden? I’ve been noticing that lately with cortisol. It has made its way into our regular everyday vocabulary, especially online. But what is the relationship between cortisol levels and stress that everyone’s talking about? Today I’m breaking it down simply so that you can have a better understanding of this important hormone and the effect it has on our bodies. 

But First, What is Cortisol?

Put simply - cortisol is a hormone that regulates our bodies’ response to stress. 

It works in tandem with our brains to control our moods. It also regulates our blood pressure, controls our sleep cycles, and keeps inflammation down.

It is a very important hormone! 

How Are Cortisol Levels and Stress Levels Related?

Here’s how it works: 

When we experience stress, whether acute or chronic, cortisol levels in our bodies increase and act as an “alarm” system. When we’re under stress, our cortisol can actually even shut down some of the systems in our bodies including the reproductive system, digestive system, and immune system. 

When we experience acute stress - something short-term, our cortisol levels will return to normal levels after the stressor has passed. 

This is why it can be problematic when we are under chronic stress - such as due to cancer or another medical issue, working in a high-stress job, or dealing with trauma. Having elevated cortisol levels for a prolonged period is not good for our bodies. It can lead to: 

• Weight gain

• Problems with digestion

• Memory or concentration issues

• Difficulty with sleep 

• Anxiety and/or depression

• Even heart disease  
  

What We Can Do 

When our cortisol levels are out of whack, it can be helpful to manage our stress. Things like breath work, meditation, exercise, and yoga are all helpful to regulate our nervous system and calm us down. 

This can be easier said than done, however. Sometimes, it’s necessary to find someone to talk through your stress with. Especially if it’s due to trauma or chronic illness. 

Whatever method you choose, whether it’s starting small on your own, or diving into counseling, it’s important to understand these potential health risks of living with long-term stress.