Have you ever noticed how your body instinctively responds to pressure, ready to fight anything that comes your way? That’s cortisol at work, a hormone that can be either your greatest ally or your enemy, depending on how well it’s managed.
Actress Amy Schumer recently opened up about her battle with Cushing’s syndrome, a disease caused by excessive cortisol production. She revealed how it affected her health, saying: “My body changed in ways I couldn’t explain and I finally found out why,” she said in an interview. Her story highlights the critical role cortisol plays in managing stress and its potential harm when it’s out of balance. So let’s break down what cortisol is, why it’s important, and how to make it work for you instead of against you?
What is cortisol?
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a key role in your body’s response to stress. Dr Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, says, “It does more than you think, including regulating metabolism, supporting memory and reducing inflammation. When functioning properly, cortisol acts as your inner superhero, helping you stay energized, alert and balanced throughout the day.”
Think of cortisol as the body’s helper in difficult times. “Cortisol is triggered whenever your body or brain feels the need to adapt to a challenge or danger,” says Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, director and head of cardiology at Paras Health Gurugram. can cause cortisol to be released. Additionally, situations that make you feel threatened, unsafe, or uncertain, whether real or imagined, can activate this response.
Your body is a built-in hero
While cortisol is essential, balance is key here. “In moderate amounts, cortisol is an important hormone that plays several roles in maintaining bodily functions. It increases blood glucose levels, providing energy, regulates the sleep-wake cycle and supports the immune response,” says Sharma. These functions are critical to helping the body respond to and recover from stress.
What happens when cortisol levels rise?
A temporary spike won’t hurt you, but when stress becomes a regular part of life and cortisol levels stay high for too long, that’s when problems arise. “Cortisol is a double-edged sword. In the short term, this is incredibly beneficial, but if cortisol levels remain elevated for long periods of time, it can be harmful,” explains Sharma.
For short periods, such as when you have a late deadline or when you are running late, cortisol increases your focus and allows you to react quickly. But chronic stress—whether it’s from work, relationships, or poor sleep—can keep cortisol levels high, wreaking havoc on your body. “Prolonged growth leads to weight gain, weakened immunity, impaired sleep and even memory. What begins as an ally becomes a relentless adversary,” says Sharma. In short, something that should help you can turn into something that hurts you if it gets out of balance.
What does cortisol do to your skin?
Stress can also show on your face. High cortisol levels not only affect your body and how you feel, but also how you look. “When cortisol levels rise, it causes excess oil production, which can lead to acne breakouts. It also breaks down the skin barrier, causing dehydration, irritation and sensitivity. Chronic stress slows collagen production, accelerating aging and making fine lines and wrinkles more visible,” says Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, senior dermatologist and consultant, Saket Max Hospital.
Tips for maintaining cortisol levels
The dual nature of cortisol is its delicate balance, where too little can make you tired and unmotivated, while too much can tax both the body and mind. The key is to learn how to manage it effectively so that you can take advantage of it without falling prey to its weaknesses. Here are some simple but effective strategies for maintaining healthy cortisol levels.
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and develop a relaxing sleep routine.
Regular exercise helps, but avoid overexertion, which can trigger a flare-up.
Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to calm your nervous system.
Focus on whole foods and don’t skip meals to stabilize your blood sugar.
Say no to unnecessary commitments and make time for self-care.
