Anxiety, insomnia or drowsiness, chronic fatigue, irritability, frequent colds—these are symptoms that people experience during stress. The causes of these symptoms may be not only psychological but also physiological.
The comprehensive research program “Stress Under Control” helps identify areas of greatest risk and take timely measures.
Components of the “Stress Under Control” Program:
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a role in regulating many metabolic processes. Its primary function is to help the body adapt to stressful situations, which is why it is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” One of cortisol’s key roles is to redistribute energy to the organs and systems that need it the most, particularly those involved in the stress response—namely, the brain, endocrine glands, and skeletal muscles.
In critical situations, cortisol levels increase to help the body adjust to various factors. When life returns to normal, its levels quickly return to baseline. However, during prolonged and chronic stress, cortisol levels remain consistently high. The longer this state persists, the more severe the consequences for the body: constant cortisol release can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure, which, combined with high cholesterol levels, significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Research has shown that chronic stress reduces the body’s immune defense due to hormonal imbalances caused by the excessive release of corticosteroids (including cortisol). As a result, the immune system is weakened, making a person more susceptible to infections and colds.
Continued overexertion can lead to adrenal exhaustion, resulting in impaired adrenal function. This condition is often referred to as “adrenal stress syndrome” or “adrenal fatigue syndrome” in medical practice.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the body’s primary “anti-stress” hormone. Although cortisol and DHEA-S are produced in the adrenal cortex, they have opposite effects on the body. Unlike cortisol, DHEA-S exhibits numerous anabolic actions and balances the body’s stress response. It is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones and protects against degenerative conditions associated with aging. Immune function, energy production, insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, protein synthesis, and many other processes are significantly influenced by DHEA-S.
Because maintaining the proper hormonal balance is crucial for good health, DHEA-S levels are often compared to cortisol levels. Chronic stress and illness can lower DHEA-S, indicating adrenal stress syndrome.
Studies have shown that a decrease in DHEA-S is associated with allergies, inflammation, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, reduced cognitive function, cardiovascular diseases, loss of bone mass, depression, and even cancer.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function. Deviations from the normal TSH levels indicate thyroid dysfunction. In cases of thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism), increased nervous excitation, decreased concentration, mood swings, and insomnia may occur. With reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism), symptoms like apathy, constant drowsiness, weight gain, loss of libido, and significantly decreased productivity may manifest. Adrenal hormones can also lower TSH levels.
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in both male and female bodies. In men, it is needed to maintain optimal bone density, growth, and development of skeletal muscles, as well as for spermatogenesis. In women, it plays a role in fat distribution and the regulation of sexual desire.
Our emotional state directly affects the level of testosterone in the blood. During stress, cortisol levels increase, suppressing testosterone production. Cortisol and testosterone are antagonists—when one is in excess, the other decreases. Under stress, the body expends a lot of energy on cortisol production, leaving little energy for other hormones.
Magnesium is one of the key inorganic components in the body, affecting the state of the nervous system and playing a crucial role in regulating neuromuscular activity of the heart. Thanks to magnesium, the human body can adapt to changing external conditions. Even a slight magnesium deficiency can lead to various health changes. A person may find it difficult to cope with everyday demands, and stress tolerance decreases. Against this background, anxiety and depression may develop, blood pressure may fluctuate, and tachycardia or dizziness, up to fainting, can occur. Problems with falling asleep or insomnia, morning lethargy, and increased fatigue are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
Women with magnesium deficiency may experience pronounced premenstrual syndrome: sadness, tearfulness, nervousness, and lower abdominal pain.
It is important to remember that when a person is in a state of anxiety, easily irritated by any reason, the magnesium in the body “burns out”—it is excreted from the body. Studies show that in the blood of fatigued individuals, magnesium levels can be lower than normal.
Glucose. Cortisol, released during stress, reduces insulin production—the hormone needed for glucose processing and storage. A decrease in insulin levels raises blood glucose levels. This is not dangerous when it happens occasionally. However, chronic stress leads to a persistently high level of blood glucose, which can eventually lead to diabetes.
Monitoring key stress-related indicators allows for timely corrective measures and helps prevent the development of more serious conditions.
