10 Reasons Why Cortisol Is the Most Overlooked Factor in Medicine

Like a symphony conductor, Cortisol plays a vital role in our body. We interviewed the world’s top professors and reviewed their scientific papers across disciplines.

Their research shows that Cortisol overrides every fundamental biological process and is a leading factor in thousands of health conditions and diseases. However, Cortisol is beneficial in bursts, and with the right know-how, it can often be controlled.

Well-known physicians like Dr. Alan Christianson attest that up to 90 percent of their patients have Cortisol problems

It takes decades to translate scientific research into clinical practice and for medical professionals to incorporate new findings into patient care. The great news is that people are paying attention, as evidenced by the 400% increase in Google and 140 million TikTok searches for Cortisol.

Here are 10 Scientifically Proven Effects of Unbalanced Cortisol Across Medical Disciplines:

1. Infertility

"As little as a 16% increase in morning Cortisol interferes with ovulation, which can lead to infertility, potentially affecting millions. It’s reversible. Cortisol even leaves traces in the eggs of baby daughters, influencing epigenetics.

2. Menopause

From hot flashes and mood swings to osteoporosis, abnormal Cortisol further inhibits the limited sex hormone production and antagonizes their beneficial effect. Professor Berga suggests, “If women can sustain an optimal Cortisol level, it could dictate just how well the transitional period goes for them.”

3. Athletic Performance

Cortisol can impair athletic performance by reducing muscle strength and endurance and inhibiting testosterone. Olympic legend Sifan Hassan tests her Cortisol to optimize her training, and we expect most elite athletes will follow her lead.

4. Weight Loss and Type 2 Diabetes

It’s impossible to lose weight successfully with elevated Cortisol, which promotes high blood sugar, fat deposition, and muscle breakdown. Even worse, the 11betaHSD1 enzyme releases Cortisol stored in fat tissue, increasing appetite and glucose in the blood even when dieting or exercising.

5. Heart Disease

In the acclaimed Whitehall Study, elevated Cortisol came out as the number one risk of early cardiovascular death – ahead of obesity & smoking. Cortisol can increase blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

6. Stress and Psychiatric Diseases

Chronic exposure to high levels of Cortisol can lead to mental health problems like ADHD, depression, PTSD, anxiety, Post Partum Depression, etc.

7. Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cortisol is a revealing mirror of brain health. It impacts mitochondrial dysfunction, increases oxidative stress, and can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain important for memory and learning. It may exert detrimental effects on cognition and contribute to Alzheimer's Disease pathology. 

8. Long Covid

In a Nature article, Professor Iwasaki identified Cortisol as the No1 biomarker for Long Covid. “Cortisol levels alone were the most significant predictor for Long COVID classification, as well as for estimation of Long COVID Propensity Score.”

9. Sleep

Cortisol runs our Circadian rhythm and melatonin levels, and elevated evening Cortisol disrupts sleep, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. This can result in fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and other health problems.

10. Healthspan and Longevity

According to Nobel Prize winner Professor Blackburn at UCSF, chronic exposure to high Cortisol levels can shorten lifespan and reduce health span through telomere shortening & inflammation.

There are proven ways to improve your Cortisol pattern naturally. Eat a Cortisol-friendly, nutritionally rich diet supplemented by adaptogens, consider if skipping breakfast is for you, and time your meals during daylight. Hormetic stressors, such as sauna or cold exposure, can help. And finally, train your “stress-is-enhancing” mindset based on the work of Stanford professor Alia Crum.

Are you curious to learn more? Our book unravels the secrets and provides actionable strategies.

Wibe Wagemans & Dr. Ioana Bina MD Ph.D., an Integrative Physician, co-authored the groundbreaking book "Cortisol, the Master Hormone."

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