The stress hormone cortisol: I wanted the best, but it turned out as always. Hyperprolactinemia (increased prolactin) and the role of the stress hormone in the body

In such a situation, various biochemical processes take place in the human body, which can have a negative impact on health if their exposure continues for a long period of time. To neutralize the effects of stress, almost all systems of the human body are involved, but the endocrine system plays the greatest role. It is in the process of its work that various stress hormones are released.

The role of adrenaline in stress

Understanding which hormones are produced first, it should be noted that these are adrenaline and norepinephrine. They are involved in the regulation of body processes at times of peak nervous stress. They are responsible for triggering built-in mechanisms that adapt the body to a state of stress. They are released into the blood by the adrenal glands. The level of adrenaline rises sharply at the moment of experiencing anxiety, in conditions of shock, or when a person experiences fear. Entering the circulatory system and spreading throughout the body, adrenaline leads to a rapid heartbeat, the pupils become dilated in a person. At the same time, it must be taken into account that its long-term impact on human systems leads to the depletion of protective forces.

The release of norepinephrine is accompanied by a sharp increase in blood pressure. This stress hormone is also released at the time of increased nervous stress or when a person is in shock. From a psychological point of view, adrenaline is considered the hormone of fear, and norepinephrine is considered the hormone of rage. Having different effects on the body, both hormones make its systems work almost to the limit of what is possible and, thus, on the one hand, protect the body from stress, and on the other hand, help a person get out of a difficult situation. If the production of these hormones is impaired, a person's behavior in a stressful situation may be inadequate.

Mechanism of action of cortisol

Another stress hormone called cortisol and stress are almost inseparable. A sharp increase in the level of the hormone is observed precisely at the moments of peak physical or emotional stress. This is a kind of protective reaction of the body. Influencing the nervous system in a certain way, this hormone induces the brain to look for the best way out of the situation, it activates its activity as much as possible. If muscle effort is required to get out of a difficult situation, then cortisol can give them an unexpected boost. It is the action of this hormone that explains the sharp increase in speed and the ability to climb trees in hunters who were running away from a bear. Or a sharp surge of strength in mothers who were forced to protect their children.

The action of cortisol is that the body finds sources of fast energy, which is glucose or muscles. Therefore, prolonged stress and, accordingly, maintaining a high level of cortisol for a long time can lead to muscle breakdown (after all, they cannot constantly supply a person with energy) and weight gain. The body requires the restoration of glucose reserves, and the person begins to increase the consumption of sweets, which leads to an increase in body weight.

Effects of cortisol on the body

In the normal state, the stress hormone cortisol is not only not harmful, but also beneficial for the normal functioning of human vital systems. Thanks to him, the sugar balance is regulated, normal metabolism is ensured, insulin production in the right volumes and stable breakdown of glucose is ensured. Under conditions of stress, there is a sharp increase in cortisol levels. As described above, the short-term effect of peak hormone production is even beneficial, but when stressed for a long time, it is harmful.

A constant increase in the content of cortisol in the blood leads to the following consequences:

High blood pressure, which negatively affects a person’s well-being and can lead to negative consequences up to a stroke.
Deterioration of the thyroid gland, which in the long term can lead to a decrease in insulin production and the appearance of diabetes mellitus.
A sharp increase in blood glucose levels, which, together with a deterioration in the functioning of the thyroid gland, can lead to disruption of the basic systems of the body.
Violation of the functioning of the endocrine system as a whole, which can lead, among other things, to increased bone fragility and destruction of some body tissues.
Decreased immunity due to a malfunction in the functioning of human vital systems.

The effect of cortisol on weight

Another negative effect of this hormone on human life is the formation of new fatty tissues. With chronic stress and constantly elevated cortisol levels, a person develops cravings for fatty and sugary foods. In order to constantly deal with stressful phenomena, the body needs fast energy reserves - glucose and amino acids. The first is contained in the blood and enters there as a result of the consumption of sugar or sweet foods, and the second component is in the muscles. It turns out a vicious circle. The body requires sweets, which are made up of glucose and carbohydrates, glucose is consumed to combat stress, and carbohydrates are converted to fat and stored to create energy reserves. Moreover, it is quite difficult to eliminate such fat, it is formed in men in the lower abdomen, and in women - on the hips. In these places, it is very difficult to remove it even through exercise.

Moreover, the presence of high levels of cortisol often interferes with weight loss. First, the body gives signals that it needs additional nutrition, which leads to a feeling of hunger, which means that the weight does not decrease. Secondly, under the influence of cortisol, muscle is broken down into amino acids, which are required for a protective reaction to deal with stress. This leads to the fact that physical exercise the man has no strength left. Thus, it is difficult for a person to lose weight, both through physical activity and through diet. To lose weight, you must first reduce the amount of cortisol in the body.

prolactin and stress

The stress hormone prolactin acts in most cases on women. This is due to the fact that it is associated with the implementation of the function of having children. The level of this hormone in women also increases dramatically during periods of unexpected mental stress. Its negative effect lies in the fact that with prolonged exposure it leads to a violation of ovulation, menstruation schedules, and therefore problems with conceiving a child. Moreover, it can lead to various diseases female reproductive organs and reproductive system.

Prolactin also rises during pregnancy, which leads to various emotional outbursts in women. However, a constant hormonal failure can lead to problems with breastfeeding in the future. Therefore, if during pregnancy a woman has signs of depression, it is necessary to make an analysis for the level of this hormone. A timely reaction and the appointment of medications will contribute to the birth of a healthy child and the positive mood of the expectant mother.

Constant stress in women, which means an increased content of prolactin in the blood, can lead not only to problems with pregnancy, but also to other critical consequences. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn how to deal with stress, look at life positively and avoid strong nervous overload.

Stress management

To avoid health problems caused by stress hormones, you need to learn how to manage your mental and nervous state. There are a fairly large number of methods of dealing with stress and increasing stress resistance. Someone spends time alone every day in a quiet, peaceful place, someone leaves for an empty place and just screams to splash out negative energy, and for someone the best anti-stress is a trip to the boxing gym. The main thing is to find your own way and actively use it. It is also necessary to remember that a healthy and restful sleep is the key to a stable nervous and endocrine systems.

It is useful to play sports. At the same time, training should not be to the point of exhaustion, but simply sufficient. Excessively active sports can, on the contrary, provoke the release of cortisol and lead to weight gain, and not to a positive psychotropic effect. In general, participation in sports events and regular physical activity (especially outdoors) contribute to the production of endorphins by the endocrine system - hormones of joy and happiness, which significantly increase stress resistance.

It is useful to listen to good music, distribute tasks in advance in order to eliminate the feeling that everything needs to be done at the same time, but there is no time (this is one of the most common causes of stress). Massage, manual therapy, meditation, breathing exercises also have a positive effect on the mental, nervous and endocrine systems.

So, when a person is stressed, complex biochemical processes take place in the body, which are accompanied by a sharp increase in the choice of special substances, which are called stress hormones. On the one hand, they form a protective reaction, help to quickly find a way out of a difficult situation, but, on the other hand, with a long nervous tension stress hormones lead to disturbances in the body, unbalancing its systems. Consequence constant stress various chronic and incurable diseases can become. Therefore, you need to deal with stress and learn to manage your emotional state.

All about prolactin and its norms

All processes that occur in our body must be treated not only with respect, but also with a certain degree of responsibility. For example, many women, and even men, do not devote time and attention to taking blood tests for hormones when planning a child.

Elevated prolactin levels are one of the most common causes of female infertility. Therefore, it is so important to know what functions each of the hormones performs in the body, and what an excess or deficiency of the hormone will entail.

What is prolactin?

The hormone prolactin is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. It is called the lactation hormone because one of its most important functions is to influence milk production in pregnant and breastfeeding women. During the three trimesters of pregnancy, prolactin is elevated, as a result of which it helps to maintain normal progesterone. This interaction of hormones allows you to save the fetus, allows it to develop and be born without pathologies.

The hormone prolactin occurs in the body in three forms, they are also called fractions of prolactin. It is monomeric, dimeric and three-dimensional pituitary prolactin. If we consider the percentage of these fractions, we can see that the monomeric hormone acts in the most active phase - it is 80% in the body.

Hormone functions

Prolactin is responsible for reproductive ability female body. If the hormone content is normal, then the woman is ready to conceive, bear a child and breastfeed. In addition, the hormone is responsible for:

Development and formation of the mammary glands in adolescence;
The formation of glandular tissue in the breast in the last trimester of pregnancy;
Synthesis of milk in the mammary glands after childbirth;
The transformation of milk into colostrum;
Control of electrolyte metabolism in the body (ratio of potassium, sodium, magnesium);
Contraception during breastfeeding and the first few months after childbirth;
Anesthesia of body cells. The hormone is responsible for ensuring a comfortable and painless childbirth, since the higher the level of prolactin, the lower the pain threshold for a woman.
Stimulation of the first breath in a newborn.

In men, the pituitary hormone is responsible for the formation of spermatozoa, and also affects sexual function. It should be noted that the hormone prolactin contributes to the maintenance of immunity and the regeneration of immunostimulating cells.

Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia is a disease in which the lactation hormone is significantly higher than normal. In a woman, the pituitary hormone is elevated only during pregnancy and for the next 6 months. If after this period, the hormone is elevated, then you should consult a doctor.

Factors for increasing prolactin

The reasons for the increase in the stress hormone can be different, ranging from behavioral reactions to physical activity. Stress, nervous excitement, mental disorders, sexual intercourse, increased loads in the gym - all these factors can affect the level of the pituitary hormone.

You should also pay attention to the side effects of the medications you are taking. this moment. It can be both psychotropic, contraceptive, and conventional antiemetics.

Pathological factors for increasing prolactin include diseases such as:

When is testing required?

Prolactin in women is elevated when:

Irregular menstruation is observed;
A diagnosis of amenorrhea was made - the absence of a menstrual cycle for more than six months;
Uterine bleeding;
Infertility - the absence of conception within one year;
Excess weight, not amenable to adjustment through diet and exercise;
Constant headaches, marked by an uneven emotional state;
Mastopathy;
Allocations of a different nature from the mammary glands - galactorrhea;
Vaginal dryness, lack of natural lubrication;
Increased bone fragility - osteoporosis;
A significant decrease in libido - sexual desire.

In men, an increased level of prolactin will give a signal in the form of depression, a decrease in sperm volume during intercourse, a decrease in sexual desire and, as a result, the appearance of impotence and infertility. Also, the stronger sex can manifest gynecomastia - an increase in the mammary glands.

In both men and women, as a result of hyperprolactenemia, visual impairment can be observed without a good reason.

The norm of prolactin in children

In a newborn, the pituitary hormone, prolactin, is produced quite intensively. Do not be afraid of the mark of 1700 honey / ml. In this case, the child observes the release of colostrum from the mammary glands. This is due to the fact that within 9 months the thyroid gland of children produces this hormone in large quantities. The reasons for this are simple - it is necessary to prepare the child's lungs for the first breath. When air enters the walls of the alveoli, they must remain in their former flexible form and not sink in.

If a newborn does not scream after birth, this may indicate a lack of prolactin in his body. Prolactin levels are also elevated in adolescents. But, this goes away as soon as the child turns 18.

Diagnostics

To obtain reliable tests for the level of prolactin in the blood, you need to carefully prepare. Before passing the analysis for the day, exclude the possibility of sexual contact with a partner. All this can lead to the fact that the pituitary hormone as a result of the tests will be elevated.

Do not take a hot bath, visit a bath or sauna. Limit yourself to cool showers. Increased stress hormone in heavy smokers and lovers of alcoholic beverages. And this means that 5 hours before visiting a medical institution, it is not recommended to smoke, and a week before the analysis, exclude alcohol consumption. You will need to stop eating 8 hours before donating blood. The only thing that is allowed is to drink ordinary non-carbonated water.

Do not forget that prolactin is a stress hormone. Therefore, when you are nervous, its level is increased tenfold. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the possibility of stress, nervous excitement, or any other emotional burden before taking the test. The same applies to children.

Remember that a blood test must be taken within three hours of waking up. If this time range does not suit you, then check with the clinic about the possibility of donating blood at home.

Feeling very tired, weak, prolonged insomnia, or a short rest before analysis can affect the receipt of reliable results. If you feel unwell, then you should not go to the hospital that day.

Women need to donate blood for analysis on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, but if you have irregular periods, it is better to consult a doctor first.

Full examination

If a blood test shows that the stress hormone is elevated, then it will be necessary to find and establish the causes. To do this, it is recommended to do an MRI (magnetic nuclear resonance) of the brain, in particular its anterior part - the pituitary gland. Then you will have an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, a blood test for glucose and cholesterol levels. You need to visit an optometrist to determine the field of view. If prolactin is below normal, then treatment is not carried out.

Treatment options for hyperprolactinemia

The reasons for the increase in the pituitary hormone can be completely different, respectively, and the treatment cannot be general for everyone. But there is a common drug method- This is a biologically active prolactin contained in drugs such as bromocriptine, parlodel, abergin, bromergon, dostinex.

Dostinex and Bromergon are drugs that are aimed at a gradual increase in the hormone. If prolactin is significantly elevated at the initial stage of treatment, then it is indicated to use ½ tablet only 2 times a week. The same method of taking the drug applies to children.

I read the article and was horrified at how much a lack or excess of just one hormone can entail. It turns out that it is necessary to control the level?

It's scary when so much can happen. But it is not so difficult to take a blood test once a year.

But these analyzes are not so cheap.

I am 25 years old and only now I found out that I have a lot of problems with hormones, which is why I can’t even get pregnant! Therefore, if possible, then follow the gammons. It is very important.

I had a greatly elevated Prolactin, frequent headaches, skin problems, and as a result, after an MRI, a pituitary adenoma was found! I drink Dostinex, I take tests, I visit a doctor! Yes, this hormone is very important in the body! I wish everyone only health!

yana and treatment helps you.

women may not take it, the clinic will show them, but men need it.

Faced with the hormone Prolactin, when I found out I was in shock. But this was to be expected, nervous breakdowns, psychosis. I have been drinking Triregol and Rigevidon for four years. And this is up to years and count how much money is spent. Every month is more expensive, and who is to blame? Our halves

If you have any symptoms of diseases, contact your doctor. Copying site materials is allowed only if an active indexed link to our site is installed.

Stress hormones prolactin and cortisol, how to reduce

What can cause stress, hormones, how they affect the body, their functions, cortisol, prolactin, adrenaline, causes, consequences, how to reduce.

Not only bacteria, viruses, congenital or acquired pathologies are to blame for the occurrence of diseases in humans. internal organs.

Many diseases develop under the influence of prolonged stress. Stress resistance in Lately gets a lot of attention.

And this is due to the fact that modern people often have to be in stressful situations, as their personal and public life often occurs in extreme conditions.

General concept of stress

The term stress in medicine refers to an unfavorable, negative load on the human body, leading to various psychological and physiological reactions.

From the point of view of morphological and functional development, stress is characterized by an adaptation syndrome, which has three stages:

The first stage is the anxiety reaction. The usual resistance of the body decreases, a state of shock occurs, during which a person loses the ability to partially or completely control his actions and thoughts. At the first stage, protective mechanisms are also included in the work.
The second stage of resistance or otherwise resistance. The tension noted during the functioning of all vital important systems, leads to the fact that the body begins to adapt (adapt) to new conditions for it. At this stage, the individual can already make decisions that should help him cope with stress.
The third stage is exhaustion. It manifests itself in the failure of defense mechanisms, which ultimately leads to a pathological disturbance in the interaction of especially important functions of the body. If stress passes into the third stage, then it becomes chronic, capable of giving impetus to the development of many diseases.

The severity of stress is determined by the severity of the main symptoms, these are:

Physiological manifestations. Stress leads to headaches, pain in the chest, back, changes in blood pressure, redness of certain parts of the body. Prolonged stressful situations cause eczema, atopic dermatitis, stomach ulcers.
psychological manifestations. Decreased appetite, increased nervousness and irritability, decreased interest in life, rapid excitability, constant expectation of possible troubles, nervous tics, depressive states are psychological manifestations of stress.

In psychology, there are two types of stress:

Eustress or "useful" stress for the body. The development of the human body is impossible without the influence of minor stressful situations. Morning rise, hobbies, study, meetings with loved ones - all this leads to the production of stress hormones, but if their number is within the normal range, then this only benefits the body.
Distress or negative stress. They arise at the moment of critical stress of the body and their manifestations correspond to all traditional ideas about stress.

What causes stress

The human body enters a state of stress under the influence of events occurring at work, in personal life, in society.

Stress is often experienced by those who are in emergencies. In stressful situations, identical biochemical changes occur in the body, their main goal is to extinguish the growing tension.

Stress changes in the body occur with the participation of two systems, these are:

Sympathoadrenal system.
Pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal.

Their work is controlled by the hypothalamus and higher parts of the brain, and intense work leads to the release of certain substances called stress hormones.

The task of these hormones is to mobilize the physical resources of the body in order to offset the influence of factors that cause stress.

The main stress hormones and their features

Under the influence of stressful situations in the body, the activity of the main functional systems and their normal functioning change dramatically.

At this time, certain hormones play a major role in maintaining the changed status.

They are secreted by the endocrine glands, especially the adrenal glands.

Under stress, the adrenal cortex releases stress hormones into the bloodstream, belonging to four groups:

Glucocorticoids are cortisol and corticosterone. It is cortisol that begins in in large numbers be produced in stressful and emergency situations for a person. Also, its increased release occurs with strong physical activity and against the background of a lack of nutrition. Cortisol has a long-term effect and its constantly elevated level causes depression and memory impairment. During the normal functioning of the body, cortisol in the blood serum is found in the maximum amount in the morning and in the most minimal amount at night. This hormone begins to be intensively secreted with constant overvoltage, an indirect sign of this condition can be a craving for fatty foods and sweet foods. Thus, cortisol signals that fat deposits are needed in order to have an energy reserve to fight future "enemies". Under chronic stress, cortisol is produced in such quantities that it becomes harmful to the body. Under its influence, blood pressure rises, the work of the immune system decreases, the tone of muscle tissue decreases, abdominal fat begins to be deposited, and hyperglycemia develops. Such changes give impetus to the development of diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes. Therefore, in some sources, cortisol is referred to as the "hormone of death."
Mineralocorticides. This group of adrenal hormones includes aldosterone, which is responsible for the process of reabsorption - the reabsorption of fluids. If the level of aldosterone increases, then fluid begins to linger in the body and edema forms.
Sex hormones androgens, estrogens. With a high level of estrogen in the blood, the pain threshold rises, that is, a person tolerates pain more easily.
Catecholamines - norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine. They are secreted by the adrenal medulla and are considered biologically active substances. Adrenaline has a powerful effect in intensity, but its effect, compared to cortisol, ends rather quickly. Therefore, adrenaline is predominantly involved in the development of short-term anxiety and panic. An increase in adrenaline in the blood is noted already in the first minutes and seconds of the influence of the stressor. According to some scientists, the frequent release of adrenaline can cause cancer.

Not only the adrenal glands produce stress hormones. A hormone involved in metabolic reactions, accelerating bio chemical reactions and increases attention, is produced by the thyroid gland and pituitary gland.

In the thyroid gland, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are formed, in the anterior lobes of the pituitary gland - growth hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, ACTH.

Stress hormones, especially adrenaline, prolactin and cortisol, prepare the human body for the development of unusual, complex conditions by turning on certain mechanisms.

During stress, blood sugar and blood pressure increase, this is required to provide the necessary nutrition to the brain and muscles.

Such changes cause fear and panic and at the same time prepare a person to confront the threat.

How stress hormones affect the body, their functions

A stressful situation at first leads to the fact that a person has confusion and increased anxiety.

These states are considered the preparation of the body for more pronounced changes.

Information about a threat or a non-standard situation enters the brain, is processed there, and through the nerve endings enters the vital organs.

This leads to the fact that stress hormones begin to enter the bloodstream in large quantities.

If a person experiences physical stress, then norepinephrine is released more. When mentally stressed, adrenaline is produced.

Each of the stress hormones triggers its own mechanism of action, which affects the appearance of certain symptoms.

Cortisol

Cortisol begins to be actively produced in emergency situations, with a lack of intake into the body nutrients with increased physical activity.

The norm is considered when the level of cortisol is within 10 μg / dl, with a pronounced state of shock, this level can reach 180 μg / dl.

An increase in cortisol is a protective reaction of the body that allows a person to make the right decisions faster in stressful situations.

To achieve this, additional energy is needed. Therefore, high cortisol levels lead to the following changes:

To the conversion of amino acids in muscle tissue into glucose, which is necessary for energy release and stress relief.
to insulin metabolism.
To anti-inflammatory reactions resulting from the fact that the permeability of the walls of blood vessels decreases and the production of inflammatory mediators is inhibited.
To the immunoregulatory effect on the body. Cortisol reduces the activity of allergens and lymphocytes.

High levels of cortisol destroy the hippocampal neurons, which negatively affects the functioning of the brain as a whole.

Prolactin

Prolactin has anabolic and metabolic effects on the body. Under the influence of this hormone, metabolic processes change, and protein synthesis is accelerated.

Prolactin also has an immunoregulatory effect, regulates water-salt metabolism, mental functions and behavioral reactions of the body.

Adrenalin

As already mentioned, adrenaline begins to actively stand out at the moment of severe anxiety, fear, rage, panic.

The main action of adrenaline is a bronchodilator and antispasmodic, in addition, this hormone is also an antidiuretic.

It is possible to determine the moment of release of adrenaline in large quantities by the expanding pupil.

Under the influence of adrenaline, the frequency and depth of breathing decreases, the walls of internal organs relax, the motor function of the stomach is inhibited, and less digestive enzymes and juices are released.

At the same time, the contractility of skeletal muscles increases, if you do a urine test at the time of a strong stressful situation, you can detect sodium and potassium ions.

The release of norepinephrine causes an increase in blood pressure, but the acceleration of the heart rate does not occur. Norepinephrine reduces diuresis, reduces the secretory activity of the stomach, increases the secretion of saliva and relaxes the smooth muscles located in the walls of the intestine.

Consequences of elevated levels of cortisol and prolactin

More negative changes in the body occur if a large amount of cortisol or prolactin is constantly in the blood.

If cortisol levels remain at a consistently high level for a long time, then this becomes the reason:

declines muscle mass. The body synthesizes energy not from incoming food, but from muscle tissue.
The percentage of body fat increases. With elevated cortisol, a person constantly wants sweets, and this provokes weight gain.
The appearance of folds on the abdomen. When cortisol levels are high, fat deposits accumulate inside the abdomen, they push out muscle layer, and the figure takes the form of an apple.
Diabetes 2 types. Under the influence of cortisol, the production of insulin decreases and at the same time more glucose appears in the blood due to muscle breakdown. That is, blood sugar becomes almost twice as high.
Decreased testosterone levels.
Increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies. A high level of cortisol causes the body to constantly work with overloads, which negatively affects the state of blood vessels and the heart muscle.
Osteoporosis. Cortisol impairs the absorption of collagen and calcium, slows down the regeneration processes, which causes increased bone fragility.

The hormone prolactin is responsible for the production of progesterone. This hormone is of great importance for the body of a woman.

In stressful situations, prolactin strongly affects metabolic reactions and mechanisms that regulate the water content in the body.

With depression, prolactin is produced in large quantities and this causes a variety of pathologies, including the development of cancer cells.

Excessive amount of prolactin becomes the reason for the lack of ovulation, not carrying a pregnancy, mastopathy.

Prolactin is also important for the health of men, if it is not enough, then sexual function may suffer, there is a predisposition to the formation of adenoma.

Causes of increased stress hormones in the body

Stress hormones begin to be produced in the human body during stressful situations.

A sharp production of hormones, mainly adrenaline, may be due to emergencies - an earthquake, an accident, a thermal injury.

Adrenaline is produced in excess during skydiving, while practicing and other extreme sports.

A prolonged or even permanent increase in cortisol, prolactin occurs due to:

Severe, prolonged illness.
Loss of a relative or loved one.
Divorce.
Deterioration of the financial situation.
Problems at work.
Retirement.
Problems with the law.
sexual dysfunctions.

In women, stress hormones can start to build up after pregnancy.

Sometimes, after the birth of a child, the situation only gets worse, which can lead to severe psychosis or postpartum depression.

Chronically elevated levels of cortisol may be due to:

Intermittent fasting or strict diets.
Improper organization of physical activity. Sports should be practiced under the guidance of an experienced coach who knows how the level of training affects the critical increase in cortisone and can neutralize this harmful effect by selecting the right training complexes.
Abuse of coffee. A cup of strong coffee raises cortisol levels by 30%. Therefore, if you drink several cups of the drink during the day, this will lead to constantly elevated levels of the stress hormone.

The situation is aggravated if a person constantly lacks sleep, works a lot and does not know how to relax.

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signs

Symptoms of stress depend on several factors, this is the state of the human psyche, the stage of the pathological process, the strength of the negative impact. Signs of stress are divided into physical and psychological. The most pronounced psychological symptoms are:

The occurrence of unreasonable anxiety.
Internal tension.
Constant dissatisfaction.
Constantly Bad mood, depression.
Decreased interest in work, personal life, close people.

Physical symptoms may include extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss, irritability, or lethargy.

In women during pregnancy and after childbirth, stress urinary incontinence may occur, that is, its spontaneous release when coughing, sneezing, scheme.

Urinary incontinence after stress is also noted in young children.

It is necessary to exclude an increased level of prolactin in the body when:

infertility.
Miscarriages in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Galactorrhea, that is, when milk is secreted from the nipples.
Frigidity and decreased libido.
Acne and hirsutism.
Menstrual irregularities.
Increased appetite, which can lead to obesity.

With prolonged production of prolactin, the structure of the cells that produce this hormone changes, as a result, a tumor begins to grow - prolactinoma.

This tumor compresses the optic nerve and negatively affects the condition nervous system.

Its main symptoms are decreased visual acuity, sleep disturbance, and depression.

A chronic increase in cortisol can be suspected by the following features:

Weight gain with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
An increase in the pulse. High levels of cortisol lead to vasoconstriction, resulting in an increased heart rate even at rest.
Nervousness that occurs even for no particular reason.
Decreased libido.
Frequent sweating and frequent urination.
insomnia
Depressive state.

Manifestations of increased stress hormones sometimes lead to severe and not always reversible changes.

In some cases, people prefer to cope with stress themselves, muffling the psycho-emotional manifestations with alcohol, drug use, gambling.

How to reduce

Reduce the release of stress hormones in the body the only way- Minimize the impact of stress. For this you need:

Observe healthy lifestyle life, that is, do not overwork, sleep well at night, walk in the fresh air.
Do sports. Training should be regular, but they should be given a maximum of 50 minutes per day.
Avoid stress. To learn how to adequately respond to negative loads, you can learn yoga, meditation, use various relaxation techniques. With increased susceptibility, it is better to refuse to view negative news and materials.
Learn how to make your diet so that the body receives all the substances it needs, and digestive system not overloaded. Reduce your caffeine intake, eat more plant foods, drink more water.
Smile more often. Watching a comedy, chatting with friends, genuine laughter - all these are positive emotions that do not allow cortisol levels to rise sharply.

There will always be stressful situations in the life of any of us. And how the body reacts to the release of stress hormones depends on the person himself.

Therefore, you must definitely learn not to react sharply to negative factors and, if necessary, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist.

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What can cause stress, hormones, how they affect the body, their functions, cortisol, prolactin, adrenaline, causes, consequences, how to reduce.

Not only bacteria, viruses, congenital or acquired pathologies of internal organs are to blame for the occurrence of diseases in humans.

Many diseases develop under the influence of prolonged stress. Resilience has received a lot of attention in recent years.

And this is due to the fact that modern people often have to be in stressful situations, since their personal and social life often takes place in extreme conditions.

General concept of stress

The term stress in medicine refers to an unfavorable, negative load on the human body, leading to various psychological and physiological reactions.

From the point of view of morphological and functional development, stress is characterized by an adaptation syndrome, which has three stages:

The first stage is the anxiety reaction.. The usual resistance of the body decreases, a state of shock occurs, during which a person loses the ability to partially or completely control his actions and thoughts. At the first stage, protective mechanisms are also included in the work.
The second stage of resistance or otherwise resistance. The tension observed during the functioning of all vital systems leads to the fact that the body begins to adapt (adapt) to new conditions for it. At this stage, the individual can already make decisions that should help him cope with stress.
The third stage - exhaustion. It manifests itself in the failure of defense mechanisms, which ultimately leads to a pathological disturbance in the interaction of especially important functions of the body. If stress passes into the third stage, then it becomes chronic, capable of giving impetus to the development of many diseases.

The severity of stress is determined by the severity of the main symptoms, these are:

Physiological manifestations. Stress leads to headaches, pain in the chest, back, changes in blood pressure, redness of certain parts of the body. Prolonged stressful situations cause eczema, atopic dermatitis, stomach ulcers.
Psychological manifestations. Decreased appetite, increased nervousness and irritability, decreased interest in life, rapid excitability, constant expectation of possible troubles, nervous tics, depressive states are psychological manifestations of stress.

In psychology, there are two types of stress:

Eustress or "useful" stress for the body. The development of the human body is impossible without the influence of minor stressful situations. Morning rise, hobbies, study, meetings with loved ones - all this leads to the production of stress hormones, but if their number is within the normal range, then this only benefits the body.
Distress or negative stress. They arise at the moment of critical stress of the body and their manifestations correspond to all traditional ideas about stress.

What causes stress

The human body enters a state of stress under the influence of events occurring at work, in personal life, in society.

Stress is often experienced by those who are in emergency situations. In stressful situations, identical biochemical changes occur in the body, their main goal is to extinguish the growing tension.

Stress changes in the body occur with the participation of two systems, these are:

Sympathoadrenal system.
Pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal.

Their work is controlled by the hypothalamus and higher parts of the brain, and intense work leads to the release of certain substances called stress hormones.

The task of these hormones is to mobilize the physical resources of the body in order to offset the influence of factors that cause stress.

The main stress hormones and their features

Under the influence of stressful situations in the body, the activity of the main functional systems and their normal functioning change dramatically.

At this time, certain hormones play a major role in maintaining the changed status.

They are secreted by the endocrine glands, especially the adrenal glands.

Under stress, the adrenal cortex releases stress hormones into the bloodstream, belonging to four groups:

Not only the adrenal glands produce stress hormones. The hormone involved in metabolic reactions, accelerating biochemical reactions and increasing attention, is produced by the thyroid gland and pituitary gland.

In the thyroid gland, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are formed, in the anterior lobes of the pituitary gland - growth hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, ACTH.

Stress hormones, especially adrenaline, prolactin and cortisol, prepare the human body for the development of unusual, complex conditions by turning on certain mechanisms.

During stress, blood sugar and blood pressure increase, this is required to provide the necessary nutrition to the brain and muscles.

Such changes cause fear and panic and at the same time prepare a person to confront the threat.

How stress hormones affect the body, their functions

A stressful situation at first leads to the fact that a person has confusion and increased anxiety.

These states are considered the preparation of the body for more pronounced changes.

Information about a threat or a non-standard situation enters the brain, is processed there, and through the nerve endings enters the vital organs.

This leads to the fact that stress hormones begin to enter the bloodstream in large quantities.

If a person experiences physical stress, then norepinephrine is released more. When mentally stressed, adrenaline is produced.

Each of the stress hormones triggers its own mechanism of action, which affects the appearance of certain symptoms.

Cortisol

Cortisol begins to be actively produced in emergency situations, with a lack of nutrients in the body, with increased physical activity.

The norm is considered when the level of cortisol is within 10 μg / dl, with a pronounced state of shock, this level can reach 180 μg / dl.

An increase in cortisol is a protective reaction of the body that allows a person to make the right decisions faster in stressful situations.

To achieve this, additional energy is needed. Therefore, high cortisol levels lead to the following changes:

To the conversion of amino acids in muscle tissue into glucose, which is necessary for energy release and stress relief.
to insulin metabolism.
To anti-inflammatory reactions resulting from the fact that the permeability of the walls of blood vessels decreases and the production of inflammatory mediators is inhibited.
To the immunoregulatory effect on the body. Cortisol reduces the activity of allergens and lymphocytes.

High levels of cortisol destroy the hippocampal neurons, which negatively affects the functioning of the brain as a whole.

Prolactin

Prolactin has anabolic and metabolic effects on the body. Under the influence of this hormone, metabolic processes change, and protein synthesis is accelerated.

Prolactin also has an immunoregulatory effect, regulates water-salt metabolism, mental functions and behavioral reactions of the body.

Adrenalin

As already mentioned, adrenaline begins to actively stand out at the moment of severe anxiety, fear, rage, panic.

The main action of adrenaline is a bronchodilator and antispasmodic, in addition, this hormone is also an antidiuretic.

It is possible to determine the moment of release of adrenaline in large quantities by the expanding pupil.

At the same time, the contractility of skeletal muscles increases, if you do a urine test at the time of a strong stressful situation, you can detect sodium and potassium ions.

Consequences of elevated levels of cortisol and prolactin

More negative changes in the body occur if a large amount of cortisol or prolactin is constantly in the blood.

If cortisol levels remain at a consistently high level for a long time, then this becomes the reason:

Decreased muscle mass. The body synthesizes energy not from incoming food, but from muscle tissue.
The percentage of body fat increases. With elevated cortisol, a person constantly wants sweets, and this provokes weight gain.
The appearance of folds on the abdomen. When cortisol levels are high, fat deposits accumulate inside the abdomen, they push out the muscle layer, and the figure takes on the shape of an apple.
Diabetes mellitus type 2. Under the influence of cortisol, the production of insulin decreases and at the same time more glucose appears in the blood due to muscle breakdown. That is, blood sugar becomes almost twice as high.
Decreased testosterone levels.
Increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies. A high level of cortisol causes the body to constantly work with overloads, which negatively affects the state of blood vessels and the heart muscle.
Osteoporosis. Cortisol impairs the absorption of collagen and calcium, slows down the regeneration processes, which causes increased bone fragility.

The hormone prolactin is responsible for the production of progesterone. This hormone is of great importance for the body of a woman.

In stressful situations, prolactin strongly affects metabolic reactions and mechanisms that regulate the water content in the body.

With depression, prolactin is produced in large quantities and this causes a variety of pathologies, including the development of cancer cells.

Excessive amount of prolactin becomes the reason for the lack of ovulation, not carrying a pregnancy, mastopathy.

Prolactin is also important for the health of men, if it is not enough, then sexual function may suffer, there is a predisposition to the formation of adenoma.

Causes of increased stress hormones in the body

Stress hormones begin to be produced in the human body during stressful situations.

A sharp production of hormones, mainly adrenaline, may be due to emergencies - an earthquake, an accident, a thermal injury.

Adrenaline is produced in excess during skydiving, while practicing and other extreme sports.

A prolonged or even permanent increase in cortisol, prolactin occurs due to:

Severe, prolonged illness.
Loss of a relative or loved one.
Divorce.
Deterioration of the financial situation.
Problems at work.
Retirement.
Problems with the law.
sexual dysfunctions.

In women, stress hormones can start to build up after pregnancy.

Sometimes, after the birth of a child, the situation only gets worse, which can lead to severe psychosis or postpartum depression.

Chronically elevated levels of cortisol may be due to:

Intermittent fasting or strict diets.
Improper organization of physical activity. Sports should be practiced under the guidance of an experienced coach who knows how the level of training affects the critical increase in cortisone and can neutralize this harmful effect by selecting the right training complexes.
Abuse of coffee. A cup of strong coffee raises cortisol levels by 30%. Therefore, if you drink several cups of the drink during the day, this will lead to constantly elevated levels of the stress hormone.

The situation is aggravated if a person constantly lacks sleep, works a lot and does not know how to relax.

Popular with readers:, reasons, how to get rid of.

signs

The occurrence of unreasonable anxiety.
Internal tension.
Constant dissatisfaction.
Constantly bad mood, depression.
Decreased interest in work, personal life, close people.

Physical symptoms may include extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss, irritability, or lethargy.

In women during pregnancy and after childbirth, stress urinary incontinence may occur, that is, its spontaneous release when coughing, sneezing, scheme.

Urinary incontinence after stress is also noted in young children.

It is necessary to exclude an increased level of prolactin in the body when:

infertility.
Miscarriages in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Galactorrhea, that is, when milk is secreted from the nipples.
Frigidity and decreased libido.
Acne and hirsutism.
Menstrual irregularities.
Increased appetite, which can lead to obesity.

With prolonged production of prolactin, the structure of the cells that produce this hormone changes, as a result, a tumor begins to grow - prolactinoma.

This tumor compresses the optic nerve and negatively affects the state of the nervous system.

Its main symptoms are decreased visual acuity, sleep disturbance, and depression.

You can suggest a chronic increase in cortisol by the following signs:

Weight gain with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
An increase in the pulse. High levels of cortisol lead to vasoconstriction, resulting in an increased heart rate even at rest.
Nervousness that occurs even for no particular reason.
Decreased libido.
Frequent sweating and frequent urination.
insomnia
Depressive state.

Manifestations of increased stress hormones sometimes lead to severe and not always reversible changes.

In some cases, people prefer to cope with stress themselves, muffling the psycho-emotional manifestations with alcohol, drug use, gambling.

How to reduce

The only way to reduce the release of stress hormones in the body is to minimize the impact of stress. For this you need:

Follow a healthy lifestyle, that is, do not overwork, sleep well at night, walk in the fresh air.
Do sports. Training should be regular, but they should be given a maximum of 50 minutes per day.
Avoid stress. To learn how to adequately respond to negative loads, you can learn yoga, meditation, use various relaxation techniques. With increased susceptibility, it is better to refuse to view negative news and materials.
Learn how to make your diet so that the body receives all the substances it needs, and the digestive system is not overloaded. Reduce your caffeine intake, eat more plant foods, drink more water.
Smile more often. Watching a comedy, chatting with friends, genuine laughter - all these are positive emotions that do not allow cortisol levels to rise sharply.

There will always be stressful situations in the life of any of us. And how the body reacts to the release of stress hormones depends on the person himself.

Therefore, you must definitely learn not to react sharply to negative factors and, if necessary, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist.

Hormones - biologically active substances - regulate all processes in the body. Energy metabolism, physical and mental activity are under the control of these bioregulators, which are synthesized and released into the blood by the endocrine glands. Mental activity is also under the influence of the hormonal system. The emotions that we feel - joy, fear, hate, love - are regulated by the release of various substances into the blood. Stressful conditions are largely subject to the influence of the endocrine glands.

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Stress hormone - what is it?

There is no single hormone that is responsible for the response to a stressful stimulus. In the human body, this function is performed by several biologically active substances. The strongest effect is:

cortisol;
epinephrine and norepinephrine;
prolactin.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone of the adrenal cortex. Determines the changes that occur in the body during a period of stress.

It is produced in the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex under the influence of ACTH - adrenocorticotropic hormone of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located in the brain and is the main endocrine gland that changes the activity of all other glands. The synthesis of ACTH is regulated by other substances - corticoliberin (increases) and corticostatin (reduces it), which are produced by the hypothalamus. An increase in the level of the hormone in the blood can occur due to a change in the function of any component of this complex system. Self-regulation is carried out according to the principle of negative feedback: an increase in the level of cortisol in the blood depresses the pituitary gland; an increase in ACTH reduces the production of corticoliberin and increases the production of corticostatin.

Production and regulation of hormones

Hypothalamic Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Cortisol and its functions

The name "stress hormone" is used to describe cortisol, because it causes most of the changes in the body in this situation. It has quite a lot of functions, since receptors for it are located on a large number of cells. Main target organs:

liver;
muscles;
central nervous system, sense organs;
the immune system.

A significant effect is on the central nervous system and sensory organs: cortisol causes increased excitability of the brain and analyzers. With an increase in its level in the blood, the brain begins to perceive stimuli as more dangerous, and the response to them increases. With such an influence on the body, a person may behave inappropriately - more excited or aggressive.

In the liver, there is an increased production of glucose from the components (gluconeogenesis), the breakdown of glucose (glycolysis) is inhibited, and its excess is stored in the form of a glycogen polymer. Glycolysis is also inhibited in the muscles, glycogen is synthesized from glucose and stored in muscle tissue. It has a depressing effect on the immune system of the blood: it reduces the activity of allergic and immune reactions, inflammatory processes.

Normal indicators in the analysis

Different laboratories give their indicators of the norm of hormones. This is due to the fact that each of them uses its own specific reagents to determine the concentration of a particular substance. When self-testing in the results, you should pay attention to the normal indicators of the laboratory - they are usually written side by side.

The secretion of cortisol undergoes changes throughout the day. In the morning, the highest concentration in the blood test is recorded. By the evening, its production falls and minimal indicators are observed. This is partly why at this time a person feels more tired and less inclined to productive activities. Although many other biologically active substances are also responsible for such changes.

Age also affects cortisol secretion:

Level glucocorticoids may be elevated physiologically in women during pregnancy. While the whole body undergoes restructuring, the endocrine system takes a significant "blow" on itself. During pregnancy, it is considered normal to increase indicators 2-5 times higher than normal, provided there are no significant negative effects.

Pathological changes and their treatment

The most common pathologies:

Addison's disease;
syndrome and Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is manifested by constant fatigue, weakness, weight loss, hypotension, mental disorders- Decreased mood, irritability, depression, impaired skin pigmentation - vitiligo. It is associated with a decrease in the synthesis of glucocorticoids due to damage to the adrenal cortex or pituitary gland. In this case, substitution therapy is used: the deficiency is compensated for by the dosage forms of the biological substance.

Vitiligo

There may also be a "withdrawal syndrome" of glucocorticoids, when, after prolonged use of hormonal drugs, they abruptly stop using them. Because of sharp decline their concentration in the blood causes symptoms similar to those of Addison's disease. It is impossible to stop taking the drugs abruptly; experienced doctors reduce the dosage slowly, over the course of weeks.

Syndrome Itsenko-Cushing

Syndrome and disease of hypercortisolism, or Itsenko-Cushing, are manifested by obesity with deposits in the upper body, on the face (moon-shaped face), neck. The upper and lower limbs are thin, disproportionately thin. Other manifestations: hypertension, muscle atrophy, acne, purplish striae - stripes of skin stretching.

Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome is a condition of increased concentration of cortisol in the blood. The disease is hyperplasia or a tumor of the pituitary gland, which produces a lot of ACTH. In turn, ACTH increases the activity of the adrenal glands and leads to hypercortisolism. Treatment is radiation therapy or removal of one of the adrenal glands. In severe cases, both glands are removed, followed by glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

Typical clinical picture of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

This group of diseases is quite rare, they are genetically determined. Depending on the gene that can be changed, the disease may not manifest itself at all, or it may lead to changes incompatible with life.

The condition is rather poorly understood and has no specific treatment. Therapy is reduced to symptomatic - aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease.

Adrenaline and norepinephrine, their functions

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are called catecholamines, they are synthesized by the adrenal medulla, they regulate human activity during a stressful period.

Adrenaline is the hormone of fear, and norepinephrine is responsible for rage. Their biological effects are quite similar:

increase in the frequency and strength of heart contractions;
spasm of peripheral vessels and increased blood pressure;
increased frequency and depth of breathing;
anti-insulin action - increases blood glucose levels due to gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.

Adrenaline is released in greater quantities at the time of fright, strong excitement. The skin turns pale and cold, the heart begins to beat faster, the blood vessels of the muscles expand. Due to this, the body's endurance increases, adaptive reactions are launched.

Norepinephrine has a similar effect, but it is produced in a moment of rage.

Frequent prolonged release of catecholamines leads to exhaustion and chronic fatigue. A pathological condition accompanied by such effects is pheochromocytoma, a benign tumor of the adrenal glands that produces catecholamines in an increased amount. The condition requires removal of the glandular tumor. It will not work to reduce the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline without surgical intervention with such a pathology.

Prolactin

Prolactin stimulates the production of milk in the mammary gland and its growth in a woman during pregnancy. After childbirth, the breasts are filled with milk and ready to perform their function. A high level of prolactin is provided by mechanical irritation of the nipple by the child.

Prolactin is involved in the regulation of stress processes in both women and men. Studies show that it has an analgesic effect, reduces the threshold of sensitivity. Prolactin rises in extreme situations, helps to mobilize the body's capabilities.

So, various biologically active substances are responsible for the regulation of vital processes. Hormones that affect the functions of the body at the time of stress are glucocorticoids, catecholamines - adrenaline and norepinephrine - and prolactin.

Cortisol increases the sensitivity of the nervous system to irritation, excites, causes anxiety. Adrenaline is released into the blood at the moment of fear, forming a defensive reaction "fight or flight". Norepinephrine creates a similar effect, but causes more violent, aggressive behavior. Prolactin regulates not only the process of feeding the mother of the child, but also has an analgesic effect.

Particular interest in the problem of stress resistance and the emergence of stress is due to the recent expansion of the scope of modern man, often proceeding in rather extreme conditions and accompanied by a constant increase in mental and mental stress and a decrease in the share of physical labor.

Created by scientific and technological progress and civilization, hypokinesia (restriction motor activity) and physical inactivity (reduction of power loads) not only negatively affect the respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal system, metabolism, but also certainly lead to a decrease in the body's reactivity and, as a result, the development of stress.

General the concept of stress means a strong adverse and negative effect on the body, as well as the psychological and physiological reaction of a person of various kinds to the action of an aggressor (stressor).

Morphologically and functionally stress is accompanied general adaptation syndrome, which has certain stages:

alarm reaction - the general resistance of the body decreases (“shock”), after which defense mechanisms are activated;
stage of resistance (resistance) - based on the stress of functioning of all systems, the maximum adaptation of the body to new conditions is achieved;
the period of exhaustion is manifested by the insolvency of protective mechanisms, as a result of which the violation of the interaction and coordination of vital functions increases.

One of the criteria for the severity of stress is the severity of the signs (symptoms) of this condition, namely:

physiological manifestations - migraine (headaches), periodic increase in blood pressure, pain in the chest, heart, lower back or back, redness skin, atopic dermatitis, eczema, other skin diseases, development of stomach ulcers;
psychological reactions - loss of appetite, irritability, decreased interest in what is happening, inability to concentrate, increased excitability, expectation of pain or possible troubles, depression.

Stress can be caused individual factors related to events in personal life, work, emergencies. In this case, the body reacts with the same biochemical changes aimed at repaying the tension that has arisen.

The main systems that implement stressful changes in the body are the pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal and sympathoadrenal systems, which are under the control of the higher parts of the brain and hypothalamus, the intensive functioning of which is accompanied by the release of various hormonal substances called stress hormones. They, by mobilizing the physical resources of the body, help him cope with the super-task that has arisen, which led to stress.

The main stress hormones and their features

During a period of stress in the body, the level of activity of its functional systems changes - cardiovascular, immune, genitourinary, digestive, etc. Therefore, leading role Stress hormones play a role in maintaining this new status. The adrenal glands are the most active endocrine glands.

The adrenal cortex secretes into the blood four major groups of steroid stress hormones:

glucocorticoids (corticosterone, cortisol) - the hormone cortisol is produced in emergency or stressful situations, with a lack of nutrition and strong physical exertion. Once released, cortisol has a lasting effect, but persistently elevated levels can lead to memory impairment and depression. Cortisol reaches its maximum content in the blood serum in the morning and lower at night. IN large quantities cortisol is produced during chronic overexertion, which can cause cravings for sugary or fatty foods. By its action, cortisol signals the body about the need to “deposit fat” in order to create an energy reserve in the “fight against the enemy”. Cortisol is undoubtedly one of the most important hormones, but under chronic stress, this hormone is produced in much larger quantities than is necessary and that is when it becomes harmful. This hormone in excess can have a number adverse effects: high blood pressure, decreased immunity, increased abdominal fat, decreased muscle tissue, and hyperglycemia. This usually leads to big problems with high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart attack or stroke. Therefore, cortisol has also received the nickname "hormone of death";
mineralocorticides ( aldosterone) - a hormone necessary for the normal functioning of the kidneys, promote reabsorption (reabsorption), which leads to water retention in the body and the appearance of numerous edema;
androgens(sex hormone, estrogen) - the higher the level of estrogen in a person's blood, the more resistant he is to pain. This is due to an increase in the pain threshold;
catecholamines ( adrenalin, norepinephrine, dopamine) - belong to the hormones of the adrenal medulla and are biologically active substances. Of these, norepinephrine and adrenaline are produced not only by nerve tissues, but also by the medulla. Their effects in the human body are somewhat different, since in humans epinephrine is about 80%, and norepinephrine is only 20%. Adrenaline has a powerful and intense effect, but wears off quickly compared to cortisol, so adrenaline is often involved in severe short-term anxiety and panic situations. Adrenaline in the blood increases already in the first moments of exposure to a stressor and, according to many scientists, can contribute to the development of cancer.

In addition to the adrenal glands, the stress hormone that increases metabolism, accelerates chemical reactions and creates increased alertness is also produced by the thyroid gland (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) and the anterior pituitary gland (prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone).

Of great importance, especially for the female body, is the hormone prolactin, which supports the corpus luteum and controls the formation of progesterone. Under stress, it is prolactin that has the strongest effect on the metabolism and mechanisms of water regulation in the body. In a state of depression, prolactin is produced uncontrollably and can lead to disastrous consequences, especially in cases where there is a predisposition in the body for the development of cancer cells. Prolactin is a mobile hormone, since its concentration is easy to influence. At the same time, prolactin, the formation of which is pulsatile and increases during sleep, may depend on the intake of certain medications (opioid analgesics, antidepressants, cocaine, estrogens, etc.) or oral contraceptives. Prolactin plays a special role in the production of milk in the mother during lactation. To keep prolactin normal, it is important to observe the regime of rest and work, as well as avoid stress or try to form a healthy and correct reaction to stressful situations.

All these stress hormones (especially cortisol, prolactin and adrenaline) prepare the body to the emergence difficult situations through certain mechanisms, including raising blood sugar or blood pressure to provide fuel to the muscles and brain. Thus, causing feelings of panic and fear, as well as making a person ready to confront any threat or run away from it.

How stress hormones affect the body

In response to a stressful situation, a state of confusion and anxiety arises in the human body, which are preparations for action. Information about possible anxiety enters the brain, where it is recorded as nerve impulses, and then transmitted through the nerve endings to the appropriate organs. As a result, a huge amount of stress hormones are released into the blood, which are carried through the vessels of the whole body.

With physical stress, predominantly norepinephrine is released, and with mental stress (rage, fear, anxiety) - most often adrenaline. Both hormones have a certain effect, which is as follows:

norepinephrine causes increase in diastolic and systolic pressure without accelerating heart rate, increases the intensity of heart contractions, inhibits diuresis, due to narrowing of the vessels of the kidneys, retains sodium ions in the blood, reduces the secretory activity of the stomach, increases salivation, and also helps to relax the smooth muscles of the intestine;
adrenalin is an antidiuretic and has antispasmodic and bronchodilator action. Unlike other hormones, adrenaline can cause pupil dilation and changes in carbon metabolism. Adrenaline by its influence reflexively reduces the amplitude and frequency of respiration, the release of potassium and sodium ions in the urine, relaxes the walls of organs, inhibits digestive secretion and motor activity of the stomach, and also increases the contractility of the skeletal muscles. Adrenaline is considered one of the most active natural stimulants of all body systems.

Cortisol and corticosterone affect body systems by:

conversion of amino acids into glucose in the muscles in order to provide the body with additional energy and relieve tension;
regulation of blood pressure and insulin metabolism;
control of blood sugar balance;
anti-inflammatory effects due to a decrease in the permeability of the vascular walls, inhibition of inflammatory mediators and inhibition of other mechanisms that cause inflammatory reactions;
immunoregulatory effects - cortisol inhibits the activity of lymphocytes and allergens.

In parallel with this, the hormone cortisol can adversely affect the functioning of the brain as a whole, destroying the neurons located in the hippocampus.

An important role is also played by prolactin, which has metabolic and anabolic effects, affecting metabolic processes and accelerating protein synthesis. In addition, prolactin has an immunoregulatory effect, can affect behavioral responses and is involved in the regulation of water-salt metabolism and mental functions. By its influence, prolactin is closely related to the female reproductive panel.

Stress hormones are secreted not only during adverse conditions or situations. In the normal state, they are a necessary component of endocrine regulation. However, their concentration in the blood during stress exposure increases many times over. At the same time, muscles are activated, and instant breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins occurs.

IN human body is of vital importance. IN colloquial speech This enzyme is called the stress hormone. Without cortisol, the body will not be able to cope with the manifestations that stress entails.

Another function of cortisol is to provide energy to muscle tissue. Therefore, the hormone in normal concentration is necessary not only for stress, but also for relative peace.

The enzyme has the following effect:

takes part in protein metabolism;

controls the production of red blood cells;

participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates;

regulates glycogen synthesis.

What does high cortisol mean?

Only in pregnant women is an increase in cortisol considered normal. If a high level of the hormone is found in a woman who is not in this position, then her body is under severe stress. If the increase is insignificant, and that is visible reasons(trouble at work, quarrels in the family, illness of loved ones), this is a protective reaction of the body, which in this situation is considered normal.

If there is no stress, and cortisol is elevated, it is urgent to undergo a medical examination. A prolonged increase in the level of the enzyme can result in:

hypertension;

dysfunction of the thyroid gland;

hand tremor;

decreased memory and concentration;

emotional burnout.

Cortisol is elevated - physiological reasons

Pathological causes advanced level lots of cortisol. A patient who comes to see a doctor is examined for the following diseases:

diabetes mellitus with high glucose levels or hypoglycemia;

polycystic ovaries;

hypothyroidism - low level thyroid hormones;

AIDS;

adrenal hyperplasia;

hepatitis of any type;

cirrhosis of the liver;

bulimia, anorexia.

Increased blood cortisol

If a patient has elevated cortisol in the blood, the patient is tormented by headaches and painful weakness in the muscles. Further, a person develops insomnia, since in a healthy body the level of stress hormone decreases in the late afternoon.

Along with cortisol, the level of sugar in the blood rises. Insulin surges lead to the fact that the patient constantly wants to eat something sweet or fatty. These changes are followed by an increase in body weight, up to obesity. Even with minor physical exertion, a person feels severe fatigue, and a decrease in immunity leads to frequent colds.

Other symptoms:

in women, male-type hair growth and a violation of the monthly cycle are observed;

constipation or diarrhea;

heartburn;

belching;

nausea.

Increased cortisol in urine

Cortisol is found not only in the blood, but also in the urine, only here the enzyme is not bound by proteins. Urinalysis is done in order to differentiate obesity from Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, a dangerous hormonal disease.

If the doctor suspects this pathology in his patient, urine, blood and even saliva are taken for examination. This is necessary to obtain a general picture of the state of the hormonal background. Since the influence of stress can distort the performance, studies are carried out several times.

Effects of high cortisol

An increase in cortisol in the body is fraught with the destruction of muscle tissue. What caused this phenomenon? When a person experiences stress or overexerts himself with physical exertion, an impulse enters the brain center warning of danger.

At this moment, the cortisol index jumps from normal (10 mg) to 120-180 mg, which leads to the launch of the mechanism of destruction of the simplest components. It is from such simple components - glucose and amino acids that human muscles consist.

An electrical impulse coming from the central nervous system enters the cardiovascular system, which causes an increase in blood pressure. Glucose formed after muscle breakdown and cortisol enter the bloodstream and help the body cope with stress. Doctors call this condition adrenaline shock. The man coped with the shock, but this happened at the cost of the destruction of muscle tissue.

Increased cortisol and prolactin

Another hormone that helps a person cope with stress is prolactin. The enzyme regulates the water content in the body and is responsible for metabolic processes. With prolonged depression, prolactin is produced continuously, which can lead to catastrophic consequences, more precisely, to the development of cancer cells.

An increase in the enzyme can be triggered by some medicines and drugs:

opium analgesics;

cocaine;

antidepressants;

oral contraceptives.

Despite the fact that both hormones (both cortisone and prolactin) help the body overcome stress, their increase is a real threat to life.

How to lower cortisol and prolactin - treatment

If the level of cortisol and prolactin in the body rises, urgent action must be taken. First you can try non-drug treatment, that is, protect yourself from stress as much as possible, get enough sleep, do not exhaust yourself with physical exertion.

People who abuse coffee, regularly drink soda and energy drinks should not be surprised by the increase in stress hormones in the body. The same goes for alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. First you need to get rid of these bad habits.

If the above methods did not work, the doctor should prescribe drug therapy to the patient. It is important to understand that such a situation cannot be ignored!