Cortisol: Functions, Benefits & Role in Stress Response

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps regulate important body functions, including the conversion of glucose and fat for energy and the management of stress.

Significance

• Cortisol is released during the body's fight-or-flight response and provides short bursts of energy for survival, increased memory function, decreased sensitivity to pain and increased immunity.

Function

• Cortisol helps determine if the conversion of carbohydrates, fats or proteins for energy meet the physiological needs of the body at a given moment. It also helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Benefits

• Cortisol helps the body return to a normal state after a high-stress event.

Considerations

• Changes in cortisol levels have been associated with clinical depression, psychological stress, hypoglycemia, illness, fever, trauma, fear, pain or temperature extremes.

Potential

• Synthetic forms of cortisol, such as hydrocortisone, can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, anaphylaxis and skin rashes.