Cortisol

Also called hydrocortisone, cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is involved in the body’s response to both physical and emotional stress. In normal release, it has widespread actions which help restore homeostasis (the body’s equilibrium/normal functioning) after stress.

• It regulates carbohydrate metabolsim
• It acts an antagonist to insulin – prolonged secretion causes hyper-glycaemia.
• It lowers immune system activity in the blood
• It lowers bone formation
• It helps create memories when exposure is short-term
• It increases blood pressure.

Excess production may cause infertility in women.

Cortisol can be the enemy for those trying to build muscle as it causes a breakdown of muscle protein, leading to a release of amino acids into the blood. The amino acids are then used by the liver to synthesize glucose for energy; this process is called gluconeogenesis. This raises the blood sugar level so the brain will have more glucose for energy.