How Cortisol Affects Health and Ageing

Cortisol, known as the 'stress hormone,' plays a key role in managing your body’s response to stress. However, certain conditions or prolonged stress can cause elevated levels. Although cortisol naturally fluctuates throughout the day in response to stress or danger, consistently high levels might suggest an underlying health issue or may contribute to the development of future health problems.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. It influences critical bodily functions like regulating blood sugar, managing inflammation, overseeing metabolism, and forming memories. Most of the body’s cells contain cortisol receptors, making it important for overall health. However, excessive cortisol can lead to harmful symptoms.

Symptoms of High Cortisol

Elevated cortisol levels may produce various physical and mental symptoms, which can vary depending on the cause. Common signs include:

Weight gain, especially around the midsection and upper back
Rounding of the face
Acne
Thinning skin and easy bruising
Fatigue and muscle weakness
High blood pressure and headaches
Flushed appearance
Irritability and difficulty concentrating
Slow wound healing

Causes of High Cortisol

1. Stress

When the body experiences stress, it triggers a response that includes the release of cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to face perceived threats. This is part of the fight-or-flight mechanism. Cortisol helps limit functions not essential for survival in the moment, but constant stress can keep cortisol levels elevated, leading to long-term health effects such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, and more.

2. Pituitary Gland Disorders

The pituitary gland, located at the brain’s base, plays a major role in hormone regulation. Overactivity in the gland or tumors, whether benign or cancerous, can cause excess cortisol by stimulating the adrenal glands to release more of the hormone. Disorders such as hyperpituitarism and adenomas can lead to this.

3. Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal tumors, whether benign or malignant, can cause abnormal hormone release, including cortisol. These growths may lead to symptoms like pain or a sensation of fullness in the abdomen if they grow large enough.

4. Medications

Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids prescribed for conditions like asthma, arthritis, or some cancers, can result in high cortisol if taken in large doses or over extended periods. Oral contraceptives have also been linked to increased cortisol levels. Managing the dosage and duration of steroid medications can help prevent cortisol imbalance. It’s important to taper off steroids gradually, as stopping abruptly can result in dangerously low cortisol levels, potentially causing symptoms like low blood pressure and blood sugar issues.

If you suspect high cortisol levels, it’s vital to consult a doctor, who may perform several tests to diagnose the condition. If high cortisol is left unmanaged, it may increase the risk of several serious health problems.

Cortisol and Ageing: What’s the Connection?

As we age, maintaining balanced cortisol levels becomes increasingly important. Elevated cortisol can accelerate several processes associated with aging, such as:

Skin Ageing: Prolonged high cortisol levels can break down collagen, leading to thinner, more fragile skin and the early appearance of wrinkles. This contributes to the visible signs of aging, including sagging and dullness.
Cellular Ageing: High cortisol has been linked to shorter telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres naturally shorten as we age, but cortisol may speed up this process, leading to faster cell aging and deterioration of cellular function.
Cognitive Decline: Chronic high cortisol may also impact brain function. Studies suggest that excessive cortisol can shrink the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and learning. Over time, this may lead to age-related cognitive decline and increase the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Bone Health: Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with bone regeneration, potentially leading to osteoporosis and greater fracture risk as we age.

Managing cortisol levels is crucial not only for short-term health but also for longevity. By keeping cortisol in check, you may help slow down some of the natural processes of aging, particularly in areas related to skin health, brain function, and overall cellular integrity.

Conclusion
Managing cortisol levels is vital for maintaining both short-term health and long-term well-being. Prolonged high cortisol can have detrimental effects on various aspects of the body, from skin and cellular ageing to cognitive function and bone health. Identifying and addressing the causes of elevated cortisol—whether due to stress, medication, or other health conditions—can help prevent serious complications. By keeping cortisol levels in balance, you can promote a healthier body and potentially slow down age-related processes, contributing to overall longevity and better quality of life.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551529/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/adrenal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13927-7
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5152600/
https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/how-stress-is-damaging-your-skin
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/10/chronic-stress
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00043
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590890