Symptoms of lower-than-normal cortisol levels, or adrenal insufficiency, include: Fatigue. Unintentional weight loss. Poor appetite.
A cortisol test often uses a sample of blood drawn at a lab. But the test may also be done on urine or saliva collected at home. Normally, cortisol levels vary during the day, so your provider may order more than one type of test to get more information about your cortisol levels.
Low cortisol levels, also known as hypocortisolism, can be caused by multiple issues. Some factors that can contribute to low cortisol levels include Addison's disease, an autoimmune disorder which attacks the adrenal glands, impairing cortisol production, an underactive pituitary gland or adrenal fatigue.
Too little cortisol may be due to a problem in the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland (Addison's disease). The onset of symptoms is often very gradual. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness (especially upon standing), weight loss, muscle weakness, mood changes and the darkening of regions of the skin.
Very often, fatigue can be seen in people who have too much cortisol as well as those who have less than normal amounts of the hormone.
“Eating foods such as processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol, which provide little nutritional value, have been associated with more psychiatric symptoms and can increase cortisol levels—our primary hormone responsible for stress,” she said.
Reduced or inappropriate cortisol outputs can lead to physiological changes, and can cause unwanted symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, indigestion, weight gain, reduced tolerance to stress and irregular sleep cycles.
Normal Results
Normal values for a blood sample taken at 8 in the morning are 5 to 25 mcg/dL or 140 to 690 nmol/L.
Foods rich in B vitamins include: beans, bananas, oats, potatoes, avocados. Food group rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C not only strengthens the body's resistance, beautifies the skin against aging but also stimulates the production of cortisol.
While high cortisol levels may seem more common, it's important to be aware of the effects of low cortisol as well. Chronically elevated cortisol levels may promote overeating and weight gain, whereas low cortisol levels may lead to weight loss in some instances. Still, more research is needed.
The adrenal fatigue theory suggests that prolonged exposure to stress could drain the adrenals leading to a low cortisol state. The adrenal depletion would cause brain fog, low energy, depressive mood, salt and sweet cravings, lightheadedness, and other vague symptoms.
Hair loss can be caused by an imbalance in hormone levels. Cortisol is one of the hormones often identified with hair loss.
Not only can bananas provide a great source of energy, but research showsTrusted Source they can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress levels that are associated with increased cortisol.
Symptoms include: weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, dark patches of skin. You may also have hypopituitarism, which occurs when cortisol production by the adrenal glands is low because the pituitary gland is not sending proper signals.
When oestrogen is lowered from continuous stress and cortisol production, all the female hormone imbalance symptoms such as night sweats, sleep problems, and mood swings can get worse.
However, several at-home cortisol tests are available to purchase. A person can take these tests at home by providing a urine, blood, or saliva sample. Once a lab analyzes the test, people usually receive their results within a few days. Individuals should follow up on any test results with a healthcare professional.
In most people, cortisol levels are highest in the morning when they wake up and lowest around midnight. Your body also pumps out excess cortisol when you're anxious or under intense stress, which can affect your health if the levels stay too high for too long.
Endurance training, where you exercise for multiple hours consecutively, can raise your cortisol levels for several days or longer. If you're otherwise under a lot of stress, it might help to keep your workouts to under an hour to help to regulate cortisol levels in your body.
Here's why: Cortisol (otherwise known as the stress hormone) is made in the adrenal glands. It's elevated when we experience heightened anxiety or stress, and it's lowered when we're in a relaxed state.
Too much cortisol is the problem
It's especially rampant if we have no way of managing our stress. “We know that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can increase one's risk for depression, can make it increasingly difficult to lose weight, and can also perhaps lower life expectancy,” Dr. Akhunji says.