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Cortisol (Hydrocortisone)

Cortisol (Hydrocortisone)

shutterstock_134640413 copyCortisol is a natural built-in alarm system. It is the primary stress hormone found in the body. It works in tandem with specific regions of the brain to control a person’s motivation, mood, and fear.

The adrenal glands manufacture cortisol. While cortisol is most widely known to prompt the “fight-or-flight” instinct in the body, it plays an essential function in various things that the body does.

American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides safe and proven compounding treatments to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.

Functions

Some important functions of cortisol are as follows:

  • Manages the usage of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the body
  • Keeps inflammation in check
  • Regulates blood pressure
  • Increases blood sugar (glucose)
  • Manages the sleep/wake cycle
  • Boosts energy levels to enable an individual to handles stress and restore balance later

How Does It Work?

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are located in the brain can assess if the blood comprises the correct cortisol levels. In case the level is significantly low, the brain adjusts the number of hormones that it manufactures. The adrenal glands gauge these signals and fine-tune the cortisol quantity that they release.

Cortisol receptors are found in most of the cells in the human body. These receive and utilize hormones in various ways. The needs of the body vary on a daily basis. For example, when the body is on high alert, cortisol can cause alterations to or completely shut down functions seen as impediments. Such functions may include the immune system, digestive or reproductive systems, or even growth processes.

Symptoms of Cortisol Deficiency

In case the body is not making adequate amounts of cortisol, it could lead to a condition medically known as Addison’s disease. The symptoms of this condition usually establish over time and include:

  • Alterations in the skin such as darkening in skin folds and on scars
  • Fatigue
  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
  • Appetite and weight loss
  • Low blood pressure

If the body is not generating sufficient amounts of cortisol, the patient can take supplements to replace the cortisol. The physician may prescribe hydrocortisone tablets for this condition.

What are Corticosteroids?

The doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for the patient in case their body is not producing sufficient amounts of cortisol. These are synthetic forms of cortisol used in the treatment of various conditions such as:

  • inflammatory conditions (for instance, asthma)
  • skin conditions (for instance, psoriasis)
  • Addison’s disease

Taking anabolic steroids to help in muscle development without a physician’s prescription can be risky. Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids are different from one another.

Side-Effects of Corticosteroid Therapy

As corticosteroids are strong medications, it is common to have side effects including:

  • osteoporosis
  • thinning skin
  • weight gain, specifically around the face, and increased appetite
  • Diabetes or high blood sugar
  • eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts
  • feeling irritable, rapid mood changes, and anxiety
  • Higher risk of infections such as chickenpox or measles
  • Cushing’s syndrome

American Integrative Pharmacy receives patients from Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and other cities and towns in this part of The Golden State for a wide range of compounding treatments.

For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.

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American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.

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Torrance, CA 90505

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