What Do Cortisol & Testosterone Have in Common?

Akin to fine-tuned machines, human bodies depend on ideal conditions to keep them running smoothly. By imparting a sense of well being to the body, the right cortisol to testosterone ratio ensures peak mental and physical performance.

Cortisol

• Produced by the adrenal cortex, cortisol plays important roles of glucose metabolism and immune system regulation. In excess, cortisol has a detrimental effect on health.

Testosterone

• Mainly produced by the Leydig cells of the male testes and female ovaries, the adrenal glands also produce small amounts of testosterone. Among many key functions, testosterone helps with the development of reproductive organs in men and builds bone and muscle mass in women.

Similarities

• Both cortisol and testosterone fall into the category of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones support and assist several key physiological functions of the body.

Significance

• Stress affects the delicate balance between cortisol and testosterone. As cortisol increases in response to stress and anxiety, testosterone correspondingly decreases. Chronic high cortisol levels left unchecked may hinder normal growth and reproductive processes by suppressing testosterone levels for long periods of time. In addition, a high cortisol to testosterone ratio may lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease.

Considerations

• Testosterone, an anabolic steroid builds muscle mass and supports reproductive function. In excess, cortisol, a catabolic steroid does the opposite; it weakens muscles and reduces performance abilities.