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What is the Hormone Cortisol?

The hormone cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in the brain. It is released into the blood in response to stress or anxiety. Cortisol increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

  1. Identification

    • The chemical formula of cortisol is C21H30O5. It is a corticosteroid hormone.

    Synthesis

    • Cortisol is produced from cholesterol when adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the pituitary gland. ACTH is produced when corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released by the hypothalamus.

    Function

    • Cortisol is produced to stabilize or maintain the body's normal condition, when responding to stress. To do this, cortisol prevents cells from absorbing glucose. This leads to high blood-sugar levels. Cortisol also stimulates stomach acid secretions.

    Warnings

    • A normal cortisol concentration in blood is 6 to 23 micrograms (mcg) per deciliter. If levels are higher, it is an indication of an adrenal tumor or Cushing's syndrome. If levels are lower, it may indicate Addison's disease or hypopituitarism.

    Considerations

    • Blood cortisol levels rise and fall throughout the day. In the morning, cortisol levels are at their peak. By midnight, cortisol has dropped to its lowest level.

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