Definition

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It regulates metabolism, immune response, blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation. Cortisol follows a diurnal rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. Chronic stress can disrupt this rhythm.

Why It Matters

Cortisol imbalances—whether chronically elevated or depleted—affect energy, sleep, weight, immunity, and hormone balance. High cortisol contributes to weight gain, anxiety, and insomnia, while low cortisol causes fatigue and poor stress resilience. Assessing cortisol patterns guides targeted stress and adrenal support.

Related Conditions

Fatigue Anxiety Sleep Issues Weight Management Depression

Related Modalities

Functional Lab Testing Lifestyle Medicine Botanical Medicine Nutraceuticals

Frequently Asked Questions

High cortisol symptoms include difficulty losing weight (especially abdominal), trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, high blood sugar, immune suppression, muscle weakness, and thinning skin. Chronic stress is the most common cause.

Balance cortisol with stress management techniques (mindfulness, breathwork), adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola, prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep, regular moderate exercise, blood sugar balance, reducing caffeine, and addressing underlying stressors.