It’s synonymous with stress. But learn to work with your cortisol, rather than against it, and you can harness this hormone for wellbeing
There’s a reason it’s nicknamed ‘the stress hormone’. But while it’s true that cortisol is connected to your body’s fight-or-flight response, it also has a role in almost every major organ system, from brain function to joint and immune health. It regulates your metabolism. It works with insulin to keep your blood sugar stable. It helps quell inflammation. Notice a trend? It’s not all bad...
In an age of rampant burnout, cortisol has become a scapegoat for health issues from fatigue to acne. Cue widespread misinformation about how this hormone works and what’s normal, says Arti Thangudu, an endocrinology, diabetes and thyroid specialist. In reality, your cortisol level rises and falls in line with your sleep/wake pattern. In the morning, it increases to raise blood sugar and blood pressure, priming you for the day, then it drops off and is at its lowest when you sleep. When you eat, work out or deal with a stressor (think: a new project lands on your desk or your babysitter cancels), you experience a tiny uptick. These ebbs and flows are fine, says endocrinologist Elena Christofides. Health problems only occur when you mess with the natural pattern of cortisol flow, like if you pull a few all-nighters in a row. (Yes, an off-kilter cycle can affect sleep, digestion and fat storage, says Dr Thangudu.) Practise cortisol-conscious habits and your levels will take care of themselves. Get ready to feel more alert, less rattled and on top of your game.
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