The Health Effects of Stress and Increased Cortisol

Stress causes chemical changes in the body that, left unchecked, can have negative effects on both mental and physical health. High levels of stress contribute to health issues as diverse as depression, insomnia, heart disease, skin disorders and headaches.

Stress is actually the physical expression of our "Fight or Flight" survival mechanisms. A threatening or tense situation triggers a stress response, which prepares us to confront or flee a possible danger. This is a healthy response to immediate danger, such as confronting an assailant or running from a fire. Unfortunately, the stress response is also triggered by tense situations where physical action is not an option, such as an unreasonable boss, or traffic jams.

 

Stress can be divided into two subtypes: acute and chronic. Acute stress prepares us for fight or flight, and is generally short-term. Chronic stress lasts longer, and is the main cause of stress-related health problems.

Acute stress is a short-term response by the body's sympathetic nervous system. How long acute stress lasts may vary—the response can last for a few minutes or a few weeks.

 

During an acute stress response, the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal glands, two small glands located on top of each kidney) begins to release catecholamine hormones (including adrenaline and noradrenaline). In all, over seventeen different hormones are released during an acute stress response. These trigger several physical responses:

Chronic stress occurs when continuous acute stress responses keep the body on alert continuously, negatively affecting health. The ongoing stress response causes the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (portions of the brain) to release a chemical known as ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH, known as the "stress hormone" stimulates the adrenal gland to produce and release cortisol.

 

Cortisol is one of the hormones associated with waking and sleeping. Levels of cortisol naturally fluctuate during the day. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning and lowest at night. Higher levels of cortisol in the morning help us wake up.

 

When chronic stress stimulates cortisol production, the daily cycle of cortisol levels is disrupted. High levels of cortisol may occur at night. This can result in insomnia.

Stress levels affect health, but the effects are not immediately seen. Imbalances of cortisol and other stress-related hormones weaken health over time. Practicing stress management techniques can help minimize the effects of stress on your health.