Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal medulla. It has various functions in the body. This includes increasing levels of blood glucose, and regulating metabolism. Sometimes, cortisol levels become high and can lead to stress and anxiety. Individual’s affected by Cushing’s disease have been exposed to high levels of cortisol for a long time. On the opposite spectrum, Addison’s disease is a condition where cortisol levels are too low, and because of this, individual’s rarely feel stress and are prone to being unmotivated. Cortisol is also part of a feedback loop. This begins with CRH, produced in the hypothalamus, ACTH, produced in the anterior pituitary, and ends with cortisol. Based on the levels of cortisol in the body, it will have a direct effect and change levels of CRH and ACTH.
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