Chronically high levels of cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, can cause weight gain, depression, memory loss, and even brain damage. Medicinally administered cortisol, called hydrocortisone, can also have side effects such as weight gain and depression. It is important to manage stress levels to avoid these negative effects.
Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can lead to a number of unwanted side effects. Cortisol side effects include weight gain or feelings of depression. They can also cause short-term effects on memory creation or retrieval, and can even cause long-term memory loss. Medicinally administered cortisol, called hydrocortisone, can have the side effects of weight gain, depression, or skin conditions.
Cortisol is a type of hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations, which can include anything from strenuous exercise to dieting to emotional stress. It is important as it helps the body cope with stress by encouraging the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats to create quick fuel. The hormone is also involved in many important bodily functions, such as processing carbohydrates and maintaining blood sugar levels.
When given medicinally, cortisol is called hydrocortisone. It is often prescribed to ease inflammation and treat arthritis, allergies and asthma. It is also used in the treatment of some types of cancer.
The side effects of cortisol when given as hydrocortisone are varied. Common side effects include increased appetite or weight gain, as well as swelling of the face or neck. The drug can also have some mental side effects, such as depression, and too much hydrocortisone can increase rates of alcohol or substance abuse. Rarer side effects include a burning sensation or itching of the skin, blistering of blood on the skin, or numbness in the fingers.
The body releases cortisol when it is in a stressful situation. Problems arise when individuals are chronically or excessively stressed and too much cortisol is released for too long. Cortisol side effects include poor memory formation and retrieval. This is because the cortisol in the body is sending more glucose, or fuel for the body, to the muscles, and therefore the brain has less fuel, making it more difficult for new memories to be created. Cortisol also has an effect on neurotransmitters, interfering with the ability to retrieve long-term memories.
Side effects of chronically high cortisol levels can also include brain damage. Cortisol reduces the amount of fuel reaching the brain, which can damage the hippocampus over time. The hippocampus is a part of the brain related to memory. Those who experience chronically elevated cortisol levels throughout their lives have a higher risk of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
High cortisol levels can also affect weight gain, especially in women. Studies show that women with chronically elevated cortisol levels are more likely to experience fat in their abdominal regions. Weight gain also occurs because cortisol encourages the breakdown and use of glucose, so when this glucose is depleted, the appetite is triggered, encouraging higher calorie intake than would normally occur.
Cortisol side effects also include high or high blood pressure, depression, and increased PMS symptoms in women. It is important to control your stress levels to avoid both long-term and short-term side effects of cortisol. Some ways to deal with stress include meditation or exercise.
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