What does cortisol actually do in the body?

Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, which are small glands on top of your kidneys. It plays a big role in how the body deals with stress. When you feel stressed, your body makes more cortisol to help you handle it. This hormone helps by giving you more energy and keeping your blood sugar steady.

What Cortisol Does

• Stress Response: Cortisol helps you react to stress by increasing energy and alertness.
• Energy Balance: It helps keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
• Inflammation Control: Cortisol reduces inflammation, which is how your body fights off sickness.

Sometimes, having too much cortisol for a long time can lead to problems, like feeling tired or gaining weight. Scientists are studying how cortisol affects the brain and body, especially during long-term stress. For more information on mental health, visit 988lifeline.org.