Khaberni - Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," has been trending on social media recently, after several influencers circulated warnings about its health effects, claiming that chronic elevation could cause sudden wakefulness in the middle of the night, facial puffiness, and fat accumulation in the abdominal area, providing dietary tips and exercises to reduce its levels.
However, doctors and specialists warn against this digital trend, considering that the focus on cortisol as a "trend" can be misleading and inaccurate, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The adrenal glands
Confirmed that the hormone is necessary for survival, and one cannot live without it, as it is secreted from the adrenal glands and participates in the regulation of inflammation, immunity, metabolism, blood pressure, and other vital functions.
Doctors explained that cortisol is very sensitive to biological and environmental changes, where it naturally rises in the morning upon waking and decreases before sleep, and it increases during exposure to stress or illness.
Dr. Roberto Salvatori, an endocrinology specialist at Johns Hopkins University, stated that "cortisol levels change minute by minute… and it is rare that a disorder is associated solely with cortisol."
Medical expertise indicates that chronic low cortisol may suggest adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison's disease, while excessive elevation can lead to Cushing's syndrome, usually due to benign tumors in the adrenal or pituitary glands, and is treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of both.
Blood test
Doctors cautioned against doing a cortisol test without medical consultation, pointing out that symptoms of high or low hormone levels are similar to other diseases, and may include fatigue, weight loss or gain, blood pressure disorders, sleep problems, fat accumulation in the face and abdomen, or excess hair growth in women.
Dr. Katie Guttenberg, an endocrinologist in Houston, explained that "a single cortisol blood test does not provide the complete picture, and can cause unnecessary alarm," emphasizing that accurate diagnosis requires time, multiple tests, and a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health.
Doctors also emphasized that there are no scientifically proven treatments to lower or increase cortisol through over-the-counter dietary supplements, although some promote ashwagandha or magnesium as aids to reduce the stress hormone. Dr. James Findling explained that concern about cortisol is understandable, but current scientific evidence on the treatments is limited and requires further studies.
