Remedy for maintaining basal cortisol level

my basal cortisol level was 2.6 on ACTH stimulation test it was 34 after half an hour readings were 29 i it necessary for me to steriods please advise .wt=35 age 22 iam underweight
(October 25, 2010)

What Is Basal Cortisol ?

Cortisol is one of the more important and influential hormones in the human body and is involved in a number of functions such as the regulation of blood pressure, immune function and an insulin release for the maintenance of blood sugar. The cortisol hormone is also known to be at much higher levels n the morning when the individuals wakes up, and slowly reduces as a result of fatigue setting in while the day drags on. Primarily secreted by the adrenal glands in the body – the adrenal glands are commonly known as the ‘stress hormones’ because of the fact that they are excreted in substantially higher volumes when the body has to respond to situations of sight or flight. As a result, one will also see that a sudden burst of cortisol can have on the body including – giving the individual a quick burst of energy that will help in survival situations, heightened memory functions as well as a lower sensitivity to pain.

However, simply because a short spurt of increase in cortisol levels can have a positive effect, the same heightened levels lasting for a considerably long period is usually known to give rise to a number of other functional problems within the body such as a suppressed thyroid function as well as an impaired cognitive performance and decreased bone density and a decrease in muscle tissue. Normal basal cortisol levels are considered to be around between 250 to 850 nMol/L at around 8:30 a.m.  while being between 11- to 390 nMol/L at4:30 p.m.


and dropping to as little as between 6 to 23 mcg/dl.

In the event that your blood tests show consistent low basal cortisol levels – the two most likely causes for the same are likely to be that you are suffering from either Addison’s disease or another condition known as hypopituitarism. High levels of cortisol are also known to lead to an increased appetite. When the body is attempting to recover from a rather traumatic experience, the increased levels of energy that it requires to do so will usually be retrieved from an increased intake of foods that are high in carbohydrate content. Moreover, the high cortisol levels also cause the body to retain fat and water for much longer periods – making it substantially harder for an individual to lose weight when suffering from high basal cortisol levels.

In order to control basal cortisol levels, it is important to choose the right kinds of foods to eat. A healthy basal cortisol deficit diet requires you to cosnume high amounts of varied food substances such as dairy, meat products as well as fruits and vegetables. Meat intake should, however, be restricted to lean meats such as turkey, fish or chicken.  Oils are also a very important part of any basal cortisol levels maintenance diet as long as they are in an unsaturated state. Some of the more beneficial oils include olive oil, sunflower oil and canola oils. Yoga or a well planned exercise plan is known to be very effective when it comes to controlling basal cortisol levels in the body as well.

Tips to maintain basal cortisol level 

Cortisol is a hormone synthesised as a result of stimulation from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The adrenal cortex releases the cortisol hormone. The cortisol test is performed to evaluate the functioning or performance of the adrenal and pituitary gland. It is also referred to as the hydrocortisone test. The reference range levels are 250 to 850 nMol/L at 08:30 in the morning. It is between 110 to 390 nMol/L at 16:30 hours. In general, the cortisol levels are lower at night, than in the morning. In other words, it is around 6 to 23 mcg/dl. You have failed to mention the units. I infer that your values are in mcg/dl units.

Your levels are lesser than the normal level and denote either of the following:

• Hypopituitarism
• Addison's disease.

In certain conditions, emotional and physical stress are seen to result in a change in the cortisol levels. Hydrocortisone is available as an injectable drug or as an oral one. It is injected for severe allergies. Cortisol supplementation helps in regulating heart function and hypertension. Nutrient metabolism is also regulated. Please refer your physician for further guidance.