More specifically, cortisol affects your body in the following ways: Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails, glands and nerves).Reproductive systems ( female and male).Because of this, cortisol can affect nearly every organ system in your body, including: What does cortisol do to my body?Īlmost all tissues in your body have glucocorticoid receptors. Your body releases cortisol when you experience any of these types of stress. In some cases, these events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, experiencing an extreme weather event, such as a tornado, or experiencing war or sexual assault can cause traumatic stress. Traumatic stress: Traumatic stress happens when you experience a life-threatening event that induces fear and a feeling of helplessness.For example, having a difficult or frustrating job or having a chronic illness can cause chronic stress. Chronic stress: Chronic (long-term) stress happens when you experience ongoing situations that cause frustration or anxiety.For example, barely avoiding a car accident or being chased by an animal are situations that cause acute stress. Acute stress: Acute stress happens when you’re in sudden danger within a short period of time.It’s also important to remember that, biologically speaking, there are multiple different kinds of stress, including: Is cortisol a stress hormone?Ĭortisol is widely known as the “stress hormone.” However, it has many important effects and functions throughout your body aside from regulating your body’s stress response. Higher-than-normal or lower-than-normal cortisol levels can be harmful to your health. Your body continuously monitors your cortisol levels to maintain steady levels (homeostasis). Helping control your body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, or your metabolism.Regulating your body’s stress response.It plays many important roles, including: They’re a part of your endocrine system.Ĭortisol is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. Your adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangle-shaped glands that are located on top of each of your two kidneys. Glucocorticoids also affect sleep-wake cycles. They suppress inflammation in all of your bodily tissues and control metabolism in your muscles, fat, liver and bones.

Glucocorticoids are a type of steroid hormone. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that your adrenal glands produce and release.

Low cortisol levels