Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which has important effects on the regulation of the body, so if it is low, it produces several bad effects on the body, such as fatigue, loss of appetite and anemia. The causes for low cortisol may be the dysfunction of the adrenal glands due to chronic depression, inflammation, infection or tumor, for example.
Another important cause of low cortisol is the abrupt cessation of the use of any corticosteroids being used, such as prednisone or dexamethasone. To treat this problem, the cause should be resolved by treatment of depression or tumor, for example, and if cortisol is too low, restore the levels of this hormone with the use of corticoids, such as hydrocortisone, as prescribed by the endocrinologist.
Main symptoms of low cortisol
Cortisol acts on several organs of the body, so it is an important hormone in the regulation of the body's functions. When it is low, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and lack of energy, for impairing the activity and contraction of muscles;
- Lack of appetite, because cortisol can regulate hunger;
- Pain in muscles and joints, because it causes weakness and sensitivity in these places;
- Low fever, because it increases the inflammatory activity of the body;
- Anemia and frequent infections, as it impairs the formation of blood cells and the functioning of the immune system;
- Hypoglycemia, because it hinders the release of blood sugar by the liver;
- Low pressure, because it causes difficulty in maintaining fluids and regulates the pressure in the vessels and heart.
In pregnant women, low cortisol, if untreated, can cause difficulties in the development of baby's organs such as lungs, eyes, skin, and brain. Therefore, if these symptoms are present during pregnancy, the obstetrician should be informed so that the diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.
Dysfunction of the adrenal glands can also cause Addison's syndrome, which is characterized by, in addition to the fall of cortisol, other minerals and androgen hormones. Learn more about Addison's syndrome and its effects on the body.
What causes
Cortisol fall can occur due to adrenal gland dysfunction, which can happen by inflammation, infection, bleeding or infiltration by tumors, or by brain cancer. Another common cause of this hormone fall is the abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, for example, because prolonged use of these medications inhibits the body's production of cortisol.
Depression is also an important cause of this problem because the lack of serotonin that occurs in chronic depression causes a reduction in cortisol levels.
Low cortisol is detected by tests that quantify this hormone in the blood, urine or saliva, and are requested by the general practitioner. Learn more about how the cortisol test is done.
How to treat
The treatment of low cortisol, when severe, is done with the replacement of this hormone, through corticoid drugs, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, for example, prescribed by the endocrinologist. The cause of the fall of this hormone must also be resolved by removing the tumor, inflammation or infection that is causing the dysfunction of the adrenal gland.
Cases of low cortisol for chronic depression and stress can be treated by performing psychotherapy and using antidepressant medications as prescribed by the general practitioner or psychiatrist. An important natural way to improve depression is by performing physical activities and consuming foods that help in the production of serotonin, such as cheese, peanuts, nuts, and bananas, for example. See more about foods that boost serotonin.
