Cortisol: main functions and causes of elevation

Author: Alexey - consultant for the website Ru-steroids.
2016-02-15

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

Cortisol, according to most experienced athletes, is the primary enemy of hard-gained muscle mass. The presence of this hormone in the body destroys the muscles that were difficult to develop. Is there some truth in this opinion? To be honest, there is some truth here, but it is important to understand in detail all the functions that nature has assigned to this hormone. Cortisol, like other hormones in our body, performs a huge number of important functions.

Main Functions of Cortisol

One should not jump to premature conclusions; it is better to learn more about the role cortisol plays in the human body. Thus, cortisol is responsible for most of the catabolic processes in our body. If we examine the molecular structure of cortisol, we can see that it resembles anabolic steroids and androgens in having a cyclopentaperhydrophenanthrene backbone.

This similarity allows molecules to bind to cortisol, whereas cortisol cannot bind to androgens. The reason for this is obvious: hormone molecules can bind to androgen receptors and cortisol receptors in various ways. Meanwhile, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the synthesis of cortisol from the outer layer of the adrenal glands. Moreover, adrenocorticotropic hormone is stimulated by corticoliberin.

These regulatory hormones are produced by the body at normal levels of cortisol in the blood and in response to a combination of humoral and neural stimuli.

The Role of Cortisol in the Human Body

It has been scientifically proven that all biochemical and physiological processes occurring in the body are directly or indirectly regulated by glucocorticoids. Cortisol plays a significant role in the vital functions of the human body, as it conserves energy. Moreover, energy conservation can occur in various ways, including the breakdown of muscle fibers. Stressful situations are one of the reasons for increased cortisol production, as the body needs more energy for fleeing or for addressing the cause of the stress.

Cortisol levels in the blood also rise with the occurrence of burns, various injuries, during the postoperative period, or during diseases associated with tumors and immunodeficiency. The reason lies in the fact that cortisol also exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, this hormone participates in processes that maintain blood pressure, which explains its increase in stressful situations. Lastly, but no less importantly, cortisol complements the vasoconstrictive effects of other hormones.

Cortisol Activity

Under normal psychological conditions, cortisol levels peak between 6 and 8 am, gradually decreasing to a minimum by 9 pm.

These data are relevant if a person has not been in a stressful situation, as mentioned earlier, during stress, cortisol levels rise sharply. Stress for the body can be caused by training with weights and at a high intensity. That is why it is not surprising if, after intense workouts, the percentage of cortisol in the blood becomes significantly higher. In cases of overtraining, cortisol levels in the blood can remain at maximum levels for an extended period. Incidentally, the degree of fatigue in an athlete is determined precisely by the level of cortisol in the blood.

Moreover, high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream can result from the cessation of anabolic steroid and androgen use, especially if steroids with pronounced anti-catabolic activity were used.

The main reason for increased cortisol secretion is the inability to bind to the appropriate receptors. After the cessation of antagonistic cortisol receptors in the body, it has to cope with the suddenly elevated percentage of the "main catabolic hormone." Furthermore, not only the total level increases but also the level of free hormone. It is crucial to lower cortisol levels in a timely manner; otherwise, all efforts to build muscle mass will be in vain.

Lastly, a sudden rise in this hormone's levels in the blood can be caused by changes in the caloric content of the diet. Therefore, those who follow a low-carbohydrate diet are advised to use anabolic steroids during this period. Otherwise, along with the reduction of fat, muscle tissue may also decrease.

In conclusion, it can be said that it is necessary to combat cortisol, but only in moderation. Otherwise, complete suppression of cortisol means the onset of irreversible processes in the body, which often lead to fatal outcomes.