Cortisol facts for kids
Cortisol is a special chemical, also known as a hormone, that your body makes. It's often called the "stress hormone" because it plays a big role when you feel stressed or face a challenge. Cortisol is made in small glands called adrenal glands, which sit right on top of your kidneys. It's a type of steroid hormone, which means it's a fat-soluble chemical messenger.
Cortisol helps your body in many ways, like managing energy, blood pressure, and even how your immune system works. It's like a helpful manager for several important body functions.
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What Does Cortisol Do?
Cortisol has several important jobs that help your body stay healthy and react to different situations.
Energy and Sugar Control
One of cortisol's main jobs is to help your body use glucose, which is a type of sugar. Glucose is your body's main source of energy. Cortisol helps make sure you have enough energy, especially when you need it quickly. It can help release stored sugar into your bloodstream so your muscles and brain have fuel.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Cortisol also helps to control your blood pressure. It works with other hormones to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. This is important because stable blood pressure ensures that blood flows properly to all parts of your body.
Immune System Balance
Your immune system protects you from germs and sickness. Cortisol can help to "suppress" or calm down your immune system. This might sound strange, but it's important. Sometimes, the immune system can overreact, causing too much inflammation. Cortisol helps to keep this reaction in check.
Managing Inflammation
When you get a cut or an infection, your body's natural response is Inflammation. This is when the injured area might become red, swollen, or warm. Cortisol helps to reduce this inflammation. It's like a natural anti-inflammatory medicine that your body produces to help you heal.
Cortisol and Stress
Cortisol is famous for being the "stress hormone." When you face a stressful situation, like taking a big test or feeling nervous before a game, your body's adrenal glands release more cortisol.
How Cortisol Helps with Stress
When you're stressed, cortisol helps prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response. It quickly gives you a burst of energy by releasing sugar. It also helps you focus and react quickly. This was very useful for our ancestors who might have needed to run from danger.
Too Much or Too Little Cortisol
Usually, your body makes just the right amount of cortisol. However, sometimes the levels can be too high or too low. If your body makes too much cortisol for a long time, it can affect your sleep, mood, and even your weight. If it makes too little, you might feel very tired or weak. Doctors can help if someone has problems with their cortisol levels.
Images for kids
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This graph shows how the amount of cortisol in your blood changes throughout a 24-hour day. It's usually highest in the morning and lowest at night.
See also
In Spanish: Cortisol para niños
