Cortisol - Negative Effects

Description

This section outlines the undesirable, negative or toxic effects of excessive Cortisol production or release.

Elevated Cortisol is known medically as Hypercortisolemia.

Aging Process

 Excessive production of Cortisol may accelerate the Aging Process in the Skin.  ^[1]

Cardiovascular System

 Excessive production/release of Cortisol may cause Hypertension.  ^[2]

Immune System

 Excessive production/release of Cortisol may suppress various aspects of the Immune System:  ^[3]

 Excessive production/release of Cortisol may inhibit the body's production of Antibodies.

 Excessive production/release of Cortisol may reduce the number of circulating Lymphocytes.  ^[4]

Metabolism

 Excessive levels of Cortisol may cause Fatigue.

 Cortisol breaks down Proteins into Amino Acids and converts them to Glycogen in the Liver.

 Excessive production of Cortisol may cause Insulin Resistance.  ^[5]

 Excessive levels of Cortisol may cause Lethargy.

 Excessive levels of Cortisol may contribute to the development of Obesity.  ^[6]

Musculoskeletal System

 Euthyroid Sick Syndrome patients have been found to have elevated Cortisol levels.  ^[7]

  quantities of Cortisol decreases the endogenous synthesis of Protein in the Muscles and causes the breakdown () of Muscle tissue, thereby inhibiting Muscle Growth.  ^[8]

 Excessive production of Cortisol may cause Muscle Injury, Muscle Pain and Muscle Weakness (due to reduced repair of Muscles caused by Cortisol).

 Excessive production of Cortisol may cause Osteoporosis (by accelerating bone loss and by inhibiting the repair of Bone).

Nervous System

 Excessive Cortisol levels may increase the rate of Neuron death in Alzheimer's Diseasepatients.  ^[9]