According to Michael Cutler MD, guest on this week’s Healing Talk Radio program, a great deal of information, research and public education has focused on the harmful effects of excessively high cortisol levels. However, there has been significantly less focus on the effects on the body of inadequate cortisol levels. The body must have some cortisol to live. The adrenal glands, which produce cortisol are the glands most likely to fail under stressful conditions. When this happens, cortisol levels can drop far below the normal healthy levels needed by the body. Because of the relationship in the adrenal glands between cortisol production and the production of other essential hormones, an imbalance in cortisol caused by adrenal fatigue can reduce the production of many other essential hormones, including sex hormones in the body. This is particularly true after menopause in women and andropause in men, when the adrenal glands become the only glands in the body that produce estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.
A variety of body systems can be affected by cortisol levels that are too low. The skin and hair may be affected through acute hair loss or slow loss in patches, skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo (white spots), keloids (thick scars), irregular browns spots; heavy sweating in armpits, palms, and bottoms of feet; or rapid tanning of skin. Immune system problems can develop that include allergies of the nose and throat, eye irritation, asthma, food allergies, and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and lupus as well as proneness to infections (e.g. mononucleosis, influenza, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia).
Discomfort in many forms can also be a symptom, with low cortisol leading to fatigue, low energy (from stressful events or ongoing stress); a need for extra sleep, intense hunger attacks. stress headaches and muscle, tendon or joint pains, digestive pains, bloating, diarrhea, and excessive sensitivity to pain.
Find out what can be done to bring cortisol levels to normal, and what effect this can have on mood, the immune system, and resilience.
This program will be broadcast live on KHQN 1480 AM on May 30, 2012 from 5 to 6 p.m. MT and will simulcast via live streaming video on healingtalkradio.utahvalleylive.com.
About “Healing Talk with Diana Hoffman” Radio Show: The “Healing Talk with Diana Hoffman” Radio Show explores the best of current research and resources for healing mind, body and relationships. Hosted by Diana Hoffman, LPC, Trauma Recovery Specialist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and owner of Lightspring Counseling Center in Salem, Utah. Listen LIVE every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 pm on KHQN 14800 AM. The program is also video simulcast on healingtalkradio.utahvalleylive.com. Listen to internet replay daily for a week on www.planetarystreams.com and www.wcww.com. Contact: healingtalkradio@gmail.com or visit the website, www.healingtalkradio.wordpress.com.