Cortisol is a hormone that is vital for the human body. It is formed in the organism itself and functions mainly as a so-called stress hormone. Since it also acts on the immune system, it is used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, among other things.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone that is vital to the human body. Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is an endogenous hormone that is vital to the human and also animal organism. It is produced in the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is particularly known as a stress hormone. It also influences numerous processes in the body, such as blood sugar, fat metabolism and the immune system. Cortisol levels in the body vary and depend, for example, on the time of day. It is generally highest in the early morning and reaches its lowest point around midnight. Certain life circumstances, such as high stress levels or pregnancy, can have a significant impact on cortisol levels, as can various diseases.
Pharmacologic effects
In the body, cortisol has numerous important tasks. For this reason, it must be artificially supplied to the organism if it is unable to produce it itself in sufficient quantities. Among other things, the hormone is involved in regulating the carbohydrate balance with the help of various processes in the liver. Fat metabolism – in particular the stimulation of adrenaline and noradrenaline – also requires cortisol for the optimal running of all processes, as does the body’s general protein turnover. In addition, it can increase blood glucose levels. In the intestines and kidneys, the hormone is converted into cortisone, a related steroid hormone, with the help of oxygen. Cortisol also has a direct influence on the immune system. It can act on the distribution of blood cells and also suppress the immune system, which makes it very useful in medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Primarily, cortisol is known as a stress hormone. Together with the so-called catecholamines, which include adrenaline and dopamine, cortisol levels rise significantly in stressful situations, enabling appropriate responses. However, cortisol itself acts more sluggishly than the catecholamines and thus also qualifies as a helper in gene expression: here it is involved in the synthesis of proteins from genetic information.
Medical application and use
In medicine, cortisol is used for numerous purposes due to its versatility. The synthetic form used for this purpose, which is found in various medications, is called hydrocortisone. In high doses, it has an immunosuppressive effect, i.e., it suppresses the body’s defenses. It is used in this regard to prevent strong reactions of the immune system, such as may be necessary in some diseases. It can also prevent the development of inflammation. Cortisol or hydrocortisone can be administered both internally and externally. The former takes place, for example, in asthma, chronic bronchitis or even rheumatic diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect can significantly alleviate the symptoms. Cortisol or hydrocortisone is taken either orally or intravenously, depending on the clinical picture and the individual case. External application in the form of ointments or tinctures is used in cases of neurodermatitis, allergic reactions or other inflammatory skin diseases. In most cases, symptoms such as itching, rash, pain or redness can be quickly relieved with the help of the medication.
Risks and side effects
Cortisol, or the synthetic hydrocortisone administered in medicine, offers numerous positive effects in various clinical pictures. However, the hormone also brings some side effects that should not be underestimated. For example, prolonged use of higher doses can lead to weight gain, water retention or blood sugar level disorders, among other things. Osteoporosis is also quite common as a later consequence of concentrated administration of cortisol/hydrocortisone. If the hormone is administered externally, the skin may become thinner in the long term and thus generally more susceptible to infections. Furthermore, cortisol/hydrocortisone must not be discontinued abruptly after therapy has been completed, as otherwise a so-called rebound reaction (a renewed severe occurrence of the previous symptoms) can be triggered.Experts refer to this as a necessary “phasing out” of treatment.
