What Are the Functions of Cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps regulate important body functions, including the conversion of glucose and fat for energy and the management of stress. Significance Cortisol is released during the body’s fight-or-flight response and provides short bursts of energy for survival, increased memory function, decreased sensitivity to pain and increased immunity. Function Cortisol helps determine if the conversion of carbohydrates, fats or proteins for energy meet the physiological needs of the body at a given moment. It also helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Benefits Cortisol helps the body return to a normal state after a high-stress event. Considerations Changes in cortisol levels have been associated with clinical depression, psychological stress, hypoglycemia, illness, fever, trauma, fear, pain or temperature extremes. Potential Synthetic forms of cortisol, such as hydrocortisone, can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ana
