High Cortisol Levels In Anorexia Nervosa
What Is Cortisol?

High cortisol levels (or hypercortisolism) can be caused by extreme dieting, as seen in anorexia nervosa. These elevated cortisol levels could lead to Cushing Syndrome.

So, what is cortisol? It's one of our stress hormones, also known as hydrocortisone. There's a chance you may have already heard of it.

Because of its great anti-inflammatory properties, hydrocortisone has been used to treat a number of different illnesses -- including asthma, bronchitis, and arthritis.

High cortisol levels are brought on as a response to help the body manage stress or anxiety. Blood sugar and blood pressure readings are higher as well.

Produced in the adrenal gland, the function of cortisol is to help metabolize fat and sugar into energy.

Normal levels of cortisol are meant to fluctuate because they follow day-night cycles known as circadian or diurnal rhythm. For example, these levels rise during the early morning hours, and are highest around 7am to 8am.

A drop in cortisol occurs approximately three to five hours after you fall asleep.

High Cortisol Levels In Anorexia Nervosa - Cushing Syndrome

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Persistently high cortisol levels may lead to Cushing Syndrome, a condition where one of the causes is overactive adrenal glands. Other symptoms of this syndrome include fatigue, depression, moodiness or stretch marks on the abdomen.

In anorexia nervosa, excess cortisol is linked directly to starvation mode. One school of thought is that the body is under a significant amount of stress during starvation and malnutrition -- and stress produces more cortisol.

Some anorexics also engage in other behaviors that are known to contribute to elevated cortisol levels. These are: excessive exercise, and self cutting, or self injury.

Patients with anorexia nervosa do not have a circadian rhythm cycle (thought to be brought on by starvation), so their bodies lack the ability to regulate cortisol levels. This usually requires medical intervention.

High Cortisol Symptoms - How To Lower Cortisol

If you experience high cortisol symptoms, your physician can show you how to lower cortisol.

People who do not suffer from eating disorders are usually told to reduce the amount of stress in their lives, cut back on sugar intake and take nutritional supplements.

If you do have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, doctors will advise you of appropriate treatments according to your overall state of health.

Symptoms of high cortisol are similar to that of Cushing Syndrome. Individuals could notice some weight gain (especially around the abdomen), stomach ulcers or they might get sick more often due to a weakened immune system.

How do you know if you have high cortisol levels? One way to accomplish this is to have some blood work done. This will help identify a potential pituitary gland disorder, or any problems with the adrenal glands.

Typically blood is taken at two different times during the day -- in the morning, and in the afternoon. Saliva and/or urine tests may also be ordered by your doctor.

Ketosis symptoms are another medical concern in people with anorexia nervosa.

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