Cortisol – It’s NOT a Nasty Little Hormone

There is a new television advertisement promoting a ‘revolutionary’ product that suppresses cortisol for weight loss. The ad refers to cortisol as a “nasty little hormone” that creates fat around the stomach and hips. By taking their ‘weight-loss pill', cortisol is suppressed and weight loss occurs - just like that. Oh, but there's a catch.

Cortisol is NOT a nasty little hormone, and by suppressing it, the body's immune system can become seriously depressed and its hormonal balance severely knocked out of balance. Before any hormone is ever altered or suppressed, a hormone analysis should be performed so all hormone levels stay regulated and balanced synergistically.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone made in the adrenal glands, which are small glands adjacent to the kidneys. Cortisol is released in the body during stress; hence is called the "stress hormone." But cortisol is more than a simple marker of stress levels - it is necessary for the function of almost every part of the body.

Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol and acts through specific intracellular receptors to affect numerous physiologic systems including immune function, glucose counter regulation, vascular tone, and bone metabolism. A pretty important hormone, if you ask me.

Excess production of cortisol is on the rise in today’s world because the level of stress in modern society is on-going and increasing. So in turn, weight gain is also on the rise in part due to increasing stress. Suppressing cortisol by using drugs is not the solution, nonetheless – decreasing stress, exercising regularly, eating correctly, and balancing the entire hormonal system is the answer to a ‘hormonally-related’ weight gain. So, don't blame unwarranted weight gain on this very important hormone.

There are thousands of weight loss programs, foods, and dietary supplements on the market today. The truth is, most pharmaceutical "controls" of weight management fail because when our bodies store excess weight, an underlying imbalance or lifestyle issue is typically at the root - even if the root is hormonal.

That's why it is important to target weight management using a whole body approach that addresses the wide variety of factors contributing to weight such as stress management, regular exercise, healthy eating routines and dietary habits. If hormones are at the root of weight gain, then a hormone test is recommended and imbalances properly addressed.

There are natural ways to reduce stress and maintain cortisol levels. Magnolia Bark, Epimedium, Theanine, Banaba leaf, green tea, Beta-sitosterols, chromium, and vanadium are natural methods to suppress cortisol and reduce the effects of stress. But be cautious if using these products regularly, and maintain frequent hormonal checks if doing so.

Cortisol is NOT a nasty little hormone solely responsible for unwarranted weight around the abdomen. Cortisol is not the root issue to weight gain but merely a reaction to a deeper cause, and suppressing normal cortisol levels can create immunity issues and adrenal burn-out.

Dig deeper than quick fixes and forceful medications that temporarily patch weight symptoms. Address the 'root' cause of weight gain for a long-term healthy solution to weight gain.

Note: This is a condensed version of the full article. If you are concerned about cortisol levels, I encourage you to visit the link to the full article below:

Read more about hormone testing and cortisol.