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Cortisol raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose, while insulin lowers blood sugar. Having chronically high cortisol levels can lead to persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). This can cause Type 2 diabetes.
Low testosterone in women and people assigned female at birth may cause side effects like decreased libido, bone loss and irregular periods. A blood test measures testosterone levels.
A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your body. It can help diagnose an adrenal disorder such as Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on the type of test you need and when it should happen.
Cushing’s syndrome: This is a rare condition that happens when your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol. It results in rapid weight gain in your face (sometimes called “ moon face ”), belly, back of your neck (sometimes called “buffalo hump”) and chest.
Over-treatment with glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) may result in obesity, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Over-treatment with fludrocortisone can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Up to 50% of people with Addison’s disease develop another autoimmune condition.
Reduce your stress: Stress activates a hormone in your body called cortisol. More cortisol activates your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which triggers the storage of more visceral fat. Try yoga or mediation to lower your stress level.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone commonly called the “stress hormone.” Your body releases extra cortisol during times of stress. Cortisol helps by: Increasing your heart rate. Increasing your blood pressure. Managing your blood glucose. Managing your respiration. Increasing your muscle tension.
Producing high amounts of cortisol in response to stress can deplete your body’s ability to produce progesterone. The estrogen in your body is left unchecked by progesterone. Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your estrogen levels and reduce your body’s ability to break down (metabolize) estrogen.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is essential for regulating your cortisol levels. If you’re experiencing symptoms of high or low cortisol levels, such as weight gain or loss and high or low blood pressure, respectively, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
For transgender women or nonbinary people with penises, low estrogen levels may prevent their bodies from having the physical appearance they’d like. If this is the case, feminizing hormone therapy may be an option.