Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The content in this post is not meant to substitute for a professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for questions regarding medical conditions or treatments.
Cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone,’ plays a key role in managing stress, regulating metabolism, maintaining blood sugar levels, and supporting the sleep-wake cycle.
When cortisol levels [1] drop too low, it can cause fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress, affecting both mental and physical health. Low cortisol impairs the ability to handle stress and manage pain, often resulting in fatigue and exhaustion, particularly in individuals under chronic stress.
What is Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It helps your body respond to stress by increasing energy and regulating metabolism, immune function, and inflammation.
Cortisol’s Role:
This means that when people feel mentally and emotionally well, their bodies release less cortisol [2], which could be a sign of better stress management and overall health.
- Regulating Metabolism: Cortisol helps control how your body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, ensuring energy is available during stress.
- Immune System Support: It helps control inflammation and modulates immune responses, promoting healing while managing infection.
- Stress Management: Released during stress, cortisol activates the ‘fight or flight’ response, enhancing energy, focus, and alertness to manage stressful situations.
When levels are too high or low, it can disrupt this balance and affect overall health.
Low Cortisol
Low cortisol, also known as hypocortisolism, is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, a vital hormone that helps the body respond to stress and regulate blood sugar levels.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its deficiency can lead to various symptoms and health issues.
Low cortisol levels [3] are commonly found in stress-related disorders.
These low cortisol levels [4] are linked to how the body handles stress, suggesting that low cortisol secretion might be connected to increased pain symptoms in some individuals.
Low Cortisol Symptoms
Low cortisol levels can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
Dr. Vats explains that some common signs include:
- Headaches and stomach issues: Headaches and gastrointestinal issues are commonly associated with low cortisol levels during periods of heightened stress.
- Feeling tired, dizzy, and having muscle pain: These were linked to low cortisol levels after waking up.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent fatigue and lack of energy, even after sufficient rest.
- Difficulty completing daily tasks or physical activities.
- Low Blood Pressure: Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, or fainting due to poor circulation.
- Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: Unexplained weight loss an a lack of interest in food also.
- Salt Cravings: Increased desire for salty foods due to the body’s need for sodium regulation.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Shaking, confusion, irritability, and dizziness caused by low blood sugar levels.
- Mood Swings, Depression, and Anxiety: Feelings of sadness, irritability, or stress, often without a clear cause.
Causes of Low Cortisol
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Chronic stress
- Pituitary gland dysfunction
- Medications (e.g., steroids)
- Poor diet or malnutrition
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic infections or illness
- Genetic conditions (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- Severe trauma or injury
- Hypothyroidism
Top Foods to Help Manage Low Cortisol Levels
Here are some foods that may help manage low cortisol levels:
- Leafy Greens: Rich in magnesium, which helps reduce stress and supports adrenal health.
- Berries: Full of antioxidants, they help lower inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
- Salmon: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and also support healthy cortisol levels.
- Avocados: High in healthy fats and potassium, they support adrenal function and help maintain energy levels.
- Nuts and Seeds: Rich in magnesium, vitamin E, and healthy fats that support cortisol regulation.
- Dark Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and magnesium, which may help lower stress and regulate cortisol.
- Sweet Potatoes: High in vitamin C and complex carbohydrates, they help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce cortisol spikes.
- Oats: A good source of complex carbs that help regulate blood sugar and support cortisol balance.
- Yogurt: Contains probiotics that support gut health, which is linked to cortisol regulation.
- Herbal Teas: Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, holy basil, and licorice root may help the body manage stress and regulate cortisol levels.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate cortisol.
- Bananas: High in potassium, which supports adrenal health and helps maintain balanced cortisol levels.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and B vitamins, which support adrenal function and help stabilize cortisol levels.
- Coconut Oil: Contains healthy fats that support hormone production and help regulate cortisol.
- Green Tea: Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may help reduce stress and also promote healthy cortisol levels.
Conclusion
Low cortisol levels can have significant effects on overall health and well-being. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for low cortisol levels is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek medical attention to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Finally, there’s a scientifically validated way to naturally manage your stress levels and protect your overall health. Check out this 14-Day Stress Reduction Quick Start Program now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat low cortisol levels?
Treating low cortisol levels often involves replacing the cortisol your body isn’t producing. This can be done with hydrocortisone or other corticosteroid medications. For primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, lifelong cortisol replacement therapy is typically required to compensate for the lack of hormone production.
For secondary adrenal insufficiency, where the problem is with the pituitary gland not signaling the adrenal glands properly, treatment may involve both cortisol replacement and addressing the pituitary issue.
How do I balance my cortisol levels?
To help balance cortisol, focus on stress management, regular sleep, and a balanced diet. Managing stress through practices like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce cortisol production.
Ensuring you get enough sleep is crucial, as poor sleep can increase cortisol. If you have an autoimmune disease or conditions like Addison’s disease, hormone therapy prescribed by your doctor will be necessary to help regulate cortisol levels.
Does low cortisol make you feel cold?
Yes, low cortisol can cause you to feel cold. When the adrenal glands aren’t producing enough cortisol, it affects your body’s ability to regulate temperature and manage blood pressure, leading to feelings of chilliness.
Additionally, Addison’s disease can cause severe vomiting and fatigue, which can contribute to a general feeling of being unwell and cold.
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
