Understanding Cortisol: The Body's Stress Hormone
In partnership with www.revitaliseyourhealth.co.uk
In today's fast-paced world, many people have heard of cortisol - often referred to as the body's "stress hormone." But what exactly does cortisol do, why is it important, and what happens when levels become too high or too low?
At Healthvisit.co.uk, we believe understanding your health is an important part of staying well. Here's a simple guide to cortisol and its effects on the body.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit just above the kidneys. It plays a vital role in many important bodily functions, including:
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Controlling metabolism
• Reducing inflammation
• Supporting blood pressure
• Helping the body respond to stress
• Assisting with sleep-wake cycles
Cortisol is naturally released throughout the day, usually highest in the morning and gradually lowering towards the evening.
Why Is Cortisol Called the "Stress Hormone"?
When you experience stress — whether physical or emotional — your body releases cortisol as part of the body's natural "fight or flight" response.
Short-term increases in cortisol can actually be beneficial. They may:
• Increase alertness
• Boost energy temporarily
• Help the body react quickly in dangerous situations
However, ongoing stress, poor sleep, illness, chronic anxiety, overtraining, or burnout may contribute to persistently raised cortisol levels over time.
Why Don't GPs Routinely Test Cortisol in the UK?
Many people are surprised to learn that cortisol is not routinely tested by NHS GPs, particularly for symptoms such as stress, fatigue, burnout, poor sleep, or weight gain alone.
There are several reasons for this:
Cortisol Naturally Fluctuates
Cortisol levels vary significantly throughout the day. Levels are normally highest in the early morning and lowest late at night. Because of this, a single blood test can sometimes be misleading if not taken at the correct time.
Symptoms Are Often Non-Specific
Symptoms linked to cortisol imbalance — such as tiredness, anxiety, poor sleep, headaches, and weight changes — overlap with many much more common conditions, including:
• Stress and lifestyle factors
• Menopause
• Thyroid problems
• Anaemia
• Depression or anxiety
• Poor sleep habits
• Diabetes
As a result, cortisol testing is usually reserved for cases where there are more specific signs of significant hormonal disease.
Specialist Testing Is Often Needed
Diagnosing genuine cortisol disorders may require:
• Timed blood tests
• Saliva testing
• 24-hour urine cortisol tests
• Dynamic endocrine testing
These investigations are often arranged through specialist endocrinology services rather than as routine GP screening.
Stress Alone Does Not Usually Require Cortisol Testing
Although people often refer to having "high cortisol" due to stress, most day-to-day stress-related symptoms are managed clinically through lifestyle assessment, mental wellbeing support, sleep improvement, exercise, and management of contributing health conditions rather than hormone testing itself.
Symptoms of High Cortisol Levels
Persistently raised cortisol may contribute to symptoms including:
• Fatigue or poor sleep
• Anxiety or feeling constantly "on edge"
• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
• High blood pressure
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")
• Low mood or irritability
• Increased susceptibility to infections
In some cases, very high cortisol levels may indicate conditions such as Cushing syndrome, although this is relatively uncommon.
Symptoms of Low Cortisol Levels
Low cortisol can also cause health problems and may occur in conditions such as Addison's disease.
Possible symptoms include:
• Severe tiredness
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Salt cravings
Low cortisol can occasionally become serious if left untreated.
How Can You Support Healthy Cortisol Levels?
While some causes of abnormal cortisol require medical treatment, lifestyle measures can often help support healthy hormone balance.
Prioritise Sleep
Poor sleep is strongly linked with elevated cortisol levels. Aim for a consistent sleep routine where possible.
Manage Stress
Relaxation techniques such as walking, mindfulness, hobbies, social connection, or simply making time to unwind may help support stress reduction.
Regular Physical Activity
Moderate exercise can improve overall wellbeing and resilience, although excessive intense exercise without recovery may increase stress hormones.
Healthy Diet & Hydration
Balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, and reducing excessive caffeine and alcohol intake may help support overall hormonal health.
Seek Medical Advice if Symptoms Persist
Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, dizziness, anxiety, or ongoing poor wellbeing should not simply be ignored.
About the Author
Rick Player is the founder of Healthvisit.co.uk, a CQC-registered private home-visiting medical service delivering face-to-face care across Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas.
An NHS-trained Advanced Paramedic Practitioner and Independent Prescriber, Rick has over 30 years' frontline clinical experience spanning emergency ambulance services and NHS primary care. He previously spent 14 years as Managing Director and Registered Manager of a successful CQC-registered healthcare company supporting NHS ambulance trusts.
Rick is passionate about improving access to safe, professional care while bringing the reassurance and personal touch of traditional home visits back into modern healthcare.
Through Healthvisit's partnership with Revitalise Your Health, he also supports widening access to health education, wellbeing advice, and preventative health information - helping people better understand and take greater control of their own health.
Visit www.revitaliseyourhealth.co.uk today. Prevention is better than cure.
Important Note
This article is for general educational purposes only and should not replace individual medical advice. If you are acutely unwell, experience severe symptoms, or have a medical emergency, contact NHS 111 or call 999 immediately in an emergency.
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