Cortisol

Definition

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, often referred to as the 'stress hormone' because its levels increase in response to stress and low blood glucose. This hormone plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure regulation, connecting it to energy utilization and hormonal responses during exercise.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cortisol levels typically rise in response to physical and psychological stressors, aiding the body in managing energy demands.
2. This hormone influences glucose metabolism by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver, which can provide energy during prolonged exercise or fasting.
3. High levels of cortisol over time can lead to negative effects such as muscle breakdown and fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area.
4. Cortisol plays a role in regulating immune functions; chronic elevation due to stress can suppress immune responses.
5. The circadian rhythm affects cortisol release, with levels peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day, influencing energy levels and performance.

Review Questions

• How does cortisol influence the body's response to acute exercise?
  • During acute exercise, cortisol is released to help mobilize energy stores by promoting gluconeogenesis and fatty acid release from adipose tissue. This allows the body to maintain adequate energy levels needed for physical activity. Additionally, cortisol's role in modulating inflammation helps manage the physiological stress that exercise places on the body.
• Discuss how chronic elevation of cortisol can impact exercise performance and recovery.
  • Chronic elevation of cortisol can negatively affect both exercise performance and recovery by leading to muscle protein breakdown, reduced glycogen synthesis, and impaired immune function. These effects can result in increased fatigue, slower recovery times, and a higher risk of injury or illness. It's important for athletes to manage stress effectively to keep cortisol levels in check for optimal performance.
• Evaluate the role of cortisol in substrate mobilization during prolonged exercise and its implications for metabolic health.
  • Cortisol plays a significant role in substrate mobilization during prolonged exercise by promoting the breakdown of fats and proteins into usable energy. This is particularly important when glycogen stores become depleted. However, consistently high cortisol levels due to chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome over time. Understanding this relationship is vital for designing effective training programs that minimize stress-related hormonal disruptions.

Related terms

Adrenal Glands: Small glands located on top of each kidney that produce hormones including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, crucial for stress response and metabolic functions.

Glucocorticoids: A class of steroid hormones that includes cortisol; they are involved in glucose metabolism and the body's response to stress.

Catabolism: The metabolic process that breaks down molecules into smaller units, often releasing energy; cortisol promotes catabolic processes to mobilize energy during stress.