What Does Cortisol Do? 7 Shocking Effects on Your Body + Solutions
Discover how this “stress hormone” is secretly sabotaging your health and the science-backed solutions that helped 15,000+ people reduce cortisol by 27.9%
Quick Answer: What Does Cortisol Do?
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone that regulates metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and blood pressure. While essential for survival, chronically elevated cortisol levels can cause stubborn weight gain, sleep disruption, weakened immunity, memory problems, muscle loss, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances. The good news? Clinical studies show natural solutions can reduce cortisol by up to 27.9% in just 60 days.
Dr. John Carter, PharmD, CNS
Clinical Nutritionist & Hormone Specialist
15+ years researching cortisol and stress management
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Michael Chen, MD, A4M – Board-certified physician specializing in anti-aging and hormone optimization
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Matter?
- 2. Essential Functions: What Does Cortisol Do Normally?
- 3. 7 Shocking Effects of High Cortisol Levels
- 4. Natural Solutions to Reduce Cortisol
- 5. CortiSync: Science-Backed Cortisol Support
- 6. Lifestyle Strategies for Cortisol Management
- 7. When to Seek Professional Help
- 8. Take Control of Your Cortisol Today
If you’ve been struggling with unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, or feeling “wired but tired,” you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide are unknowingly suffering from the effects of chronically elevated cortisol levels – and most don’t even realize what does cortisol do to their overall health and wellbeing.
What does cortisol do that makes it so powerful? This single hormone controls more aspects of your health than you might imagine. From your metabolism and immune system to your sleep patterns and emotional well-being, understanding what does cortisol do reveals why cortisol acts as your body’s master regulator. When people ask what does cortisol do, they often don’t realize the extensive impact this hormone has on every system in their body.
Struggling with High Cortisol?
CortiSync has helped over 15,000 people reduce cortisol levels by 27.9% in clinical studies.
But here’s the concerning truth: chronic stress in our modern world has turned this life-saving hormone into a silent health destroyer. When cortisol levels remain elevated for extended periods, what does cortisol do becomes problematic, triggering a cascade of health problems that can dramatically impact your quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly what does cortisol do in your body, reveal the seven shocking ways elevated cortisol is affecting your health, and share the science-backed solutions that have helped thousands of people reclaim their vitality and well-being. By understanding what does cortisol do in both normal and elevated states, you’ll be better equipped to take control of your health.
What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Matter?
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. But calling it simply a stress hormone doesn’t do justice to its complexity. What does cortisol do goes far beyond just managing stress – it’s essentially your body’s built-in alarm system and metabolic regulator rolled into one. The question of what does cortisol do touches every aspect of human physiology.
The Cortisol Production Process
Understanding what does cortisol do starts with knowing how it’s made. The process begins in your brain’s hypothalamus, which releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This signals your pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then tells your adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol. This cascade demonstrates what does cortisol do in terms of coordinated bodily responses.
This intricate system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is designed to respond quickly to threats and then return to baseline. However, in our chronically stressed modern world, this system often gets stuck in the “on” position. To understand how chronic stress affects cortisol levels, we need to examine this axis more closely.
The Evolutionary Purpose of Cortisol
To truly understand what does cortisol do, we need to look at its evolutionary purpose. Thousands of years ago, cortisol helped our ancestors survive immediate physical threats. When faced with a predator, what does cortisol do includes several critical survival responses:
- Rapidly increase blood sugar for immediate energy
- Enhance brain function for quick decision-making
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure for physical action
- Suppress non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction
- Reduce inflammation to prevent excessive immune responses
This response was perfect for short-term, life-threatening situations. The problem? Your body can’t distinguish between a charging lion and a demanding boss, traffic jam, or financial stress. Modern stressors trigger the same cortisol response, but instead of lasting minutes, they can persist for months or even years. This is where understanding what does cortisol do becomes crucial for modern health management.
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Essential Functions: What Does Cortisol Do Normally?
Before we dive into the problems caused by elevated cortisol, it’s important to understand that cortisol isn’t inherently “bad.” In fact, what does cortisol do when functioning properly is absolutely essential for life. Let’s explore the vital roles this hormone plays in your body and answer the fundamental question: what does cortisol do for optimal health?
🔋 Energy Metabolism
One of the primary things what does cortisol do is regulate your body’s energy production. It helps convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into glucose, ensuring your brain and muscles have the fuel they need to function optimally. This is a fundamental aspect of what does cortisol do for metabolic health.
🩸 Blood Sugar Control
Another crucial aspect of what does cortisol do involves working closely with insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It can quickly raise glucose when needed and helps prevent dangerous drops in blood sugar during fasting or stress.
🛡️ Inflammation Control
Another crucial aspect of what does cortisol do is regulate inflammation. It prevents your immune system from overreacting and causing excessive inflammation that could damage healthy tissues. Learn more about supplements that reduce cortisol and inflammation.
💓 Cardiovascular Function
What does cortisol do for heart health includes maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting proper cardiac function. It works with other hormones to ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs.
The Circadian Rhythm Connection
One of the most important aspects of what does cortisol do is follow a natural daily rhythm. In healthy individuals, what does cortisol do throughout the day follows a predictable pattern:
- Peak in the early morning (around 8 AM) to help you wake up and feel alert
- Gradually decline throughout the day as your body prepares for rest
- Reach their lowest point at night (around 11 PM) to promote deep, restorative sleep
- Remain low during sleep to allow for tissue repair and memory consolidation
This natural rhythm is crucial for optimal health. When chronic stress disrupts this pattern, it can lead to the serious health consequences we’ll explore in the next section. Understanding how cortisol affects sleep is essential for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms.
⚠️ When Normal Becomes Problematic
The key issue isn’t what does cortisol do – it’s when it does too much for too long. Chronic elevation of cortisol, even by small amounts, can have devastating effects on virtually every system in your body. This is where understanding what does cortisol do during chronic stress becomes critical for your health.
7 Shocking Effects of High Cortisol Levels
Now that we understand what does cortisol do under normal circumstances, let’s explore what happens when levels become chronically elevated. The question of what does cortisol do when dysregulated reveals effects that are far more extensive and serious than most people realize.
1. Stubborn Belly Fat That Won’t Budge
One of the most frustrating effects of elevated cortisol is the accumulation of visceral fat around your midsection. When examining what does cortisol do to weight management, this isn’t just about appearance – visceral fat is metabolically active and releases inflammatory compounds that further disrupt your health. Understanding what does cortisol do to fat storage helps explain why some people struggle with weight loss despite their best efforts.
How High Cortisol Causes Weight Gain:
- Increases appetite and cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods
- Promotes fat storage particularly in the abdominal area
- Reduces insulin sensitivity making it harder to burn fat
- Slows metabolism by breaking down muscle tissue
- Disrupts leptin signaling so you never feel truly satisfied
Research published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that people with higher cortisol levels had significantly more abdominal fat, even when controlling for overall body weight. This explains why some people can eat well and exercise regularly but still struggle with belly fat. For targeted solutions, learn about how to get rid of cortisol belly.
Break the Cortisol-Fat Storage Cycle
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“I tried every diet and exercise program for years, but nothing worked until I addressed my cortisol levels. Within 8 weeks of using CortiSync, I finally started losing the belly fat that had been stuck there for years.” – Sarah M., verified customer
2. Sleep Disruption and Insomnia
High cortisol creates a vicious cycle with sleep. Elevated cortisol makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, while poor sleep further increases cortisol production. Understanding what does cortisol do to your sleep architecture reveals why this becomes such a persistent problem. The relationship between what does cortisol do to sleep patterns is one of the most important aspects of cortisol management.
How Cortisol Disrupts Sleep:
- Interferes with melatonin production making it hard to feel sleepy
- Keeps your mind racing with worries and to-do lists
- Causes frequent nighttime awakenings often around 2-4 AM
- Reduces deep sleep stages leaving you feeling unrefreshed
- Creates early morning awakening with inability to fall back asleep
A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with elevated evening cortisol levels took 45% longer to fall asleep and experienced 60% more nighttime awakenings compared to those with normal cortisol rhythms. For targeted help, explore cortisol reduction supplements for sleep.
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3. Weakened Immune System
While short-term cortisol elevation can enhance immune function, chronic elevation has the opposite effect. This is one of the most dangerous aspects of what does cortisol do when levels remain high for extended periods. Understanding what does cortisol do to immune function is crucial for maintaining overall health, especially during times of increased infection risk.
Immune System Suppression Effects:
- Reduces white blood cell production leaving you vulnerable to infections
- Impairs antibody formation making vaccines less effective
- Slows wound healing and tissue repair processes
- Increases susceptibility to viruses like colds and flu
- May increase cancer risk by reducing immune surveillance
Research from Carnegie Mellon University found that people with chronically elevated cortisol were 2.3 times more likely to develop cold symptoms when exposed to viruses compared to those with normal cortisol levels. Discover supplements for stress and immune system support to help maintain your body’s defenses.
4. Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline
The brain is particularly sensitive to cortisol, and chronic elevation can cause significant cognitive impairment. Understanding what does cortisol do to brain function helps explain why chronic stress makes it so hard to think clearly and remember things. The impact of what does cortisol do to cognitive performance affects millions of people daily.
Cognitive Effects of High Cortisol:
- Impairs short-term memory making it hard to remember recent events
- Reduces concentration and focus affecting work performance
- Slows processing speed making decisions more difficult
- Affects the hippocampus which is crucial for learning and memory
- May accelerate brain aging and increase dementia risk
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A landmark study published in Neurology followed over 2,000 people and found that those with higher cortisol levels showed accelerated brain aging and performed worse on memory tests, even after controlling for age and other factors. Learn more about cortisol and brain fog for additional insights.
5. Muscle Loss and Weakness
One of the most metabolically damaging effects of what does cortisol do is break down muscle tissue to provide amino acids for glucose production. This process, called gluconeogenesis, can lead to significant muscle loss over time. Understanding what does cortisol do to muscle tissue is essential for anyone trying to maintain strength and body composition.
How Cortisol Causes Muscle Loss:
- Breaks down muscle proteins to create glucose for energy
- Inhibits protein synthesis preventing muscle repair and growth
- Reduces testosterone and growth hormone which are essential for muscle maintenance
- Increases muscle fatigue making exercise less effective
- Slows recovery from workouts and physical activity
Protect Your Muscle Mass
High cortisol can suppress testosterone. Testodren helps maintain healthy testosterone levels to preserve muscle mass and strength.
6. Cardiovascular Problems
The cardiovascular system bears a heavy burden from chronic cortisol elevation. What does cortisol do to your heart and blood vessels can have serious long-term consequences for your health. The cardiovascular effects of what does cortisol do when chronically elevated represent some of the most serious health risks associated with stress.
Cardiovascular Effects:
- Increases blood pressure putting strain on arteries
- Raises cholesterol levels particularly LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Promotes arterial inflammation leading to plaque buildup
- Increases heart rate variability affecting heart rhythm
- Elevates heart attack and stroke risk significantly
A comprehensive study published in the European Heart Journal found that people with chronically elevated cortisol had a 68% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and were twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to those with normal cortisol levels. Learn more about stress and heart disease connections.
7. Hormonal Imbalances
Perhaps one of the most far-reaching effects of what does cortisol do is disrupt your entire hormonal system. Cortisol doesn’t operate in isolation – it affects virtually every other hormone in your body. Understanding what does cortisol do to your hormonal balance is crucial for comprehensive health management.
Hormonal Disruption Effects:
- Suppresses testosterone production in both men and women
- Disrupts thyroid function slowing metabolism
- Interferes with insulin sensitivity increasing diabetes risk
- Reduces growth hormone affecting recovery and aging
- Disrupts reproductive hormones affecting fertility and libido
Research shows that chronic cortisol elevation can reduce testosterone levels by up to 50% in men and significantly disrupt menstrual cycles in women. This hormonal chaos affects everything from energy levels to mood to sexual function. Explore the cortisol and testosterone connection for more detailed information.
Restore Hormonal Balance
By reducing cortisol levels, CortiSync helps restore balance to your entire hormonal system.
Natural Solutions to Reduce Cortisol
Now that you understand the serious effects of what does cortisol do when levels are chronically elevated, let’s explore proven strategies to naturally reduce cortisol and restore balance to your body. Understanding what does cortisol do when properly managed can help you implement effective interventions.
🧘♀️ Stress Management Techniques
- Meditation: Just 10 minutes daily can reduce cortisol by 23%
- Deep breathing: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Reduces physical tension
- Mindfulness practices: Helps break the stress-thought cycle
Learn more: Stress Management Techniques
💤 Sleep Optimization
- Consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time
- Dark, cool environment: Promotes natural melatonin production
- No screens 1 hour before bed: Reduces blue light exposure
- Relaxation routine: Signals your body it’s time to wind down
Related: Sleep Environment & Cortisol
🏃♂️ Exercise Guidelines
- Moderate intensity: High-intensity exercise can increase cortisol
- Regular walking: 30 minutes daily reduces stress hormones
- Yoga or tai chi: Combines movement with stress reduction
- Strength training: 2-3 times per week, not excessive
Read more: Exercise to Lower Cortisol
🥗 Nutritional Support
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and cortisol
- Magnesium-rich foods: Support nervous system function
- Dark chocolate: Contains compounds that lower cortisol
- Green tea: L-theanine promotes relaxation
Explore: Foods That Reduce Cortisol
Adaptogenic Herbs: Nature’s Cortisol Regulators
Adaptogenic herbs are a special class of plants that help your body adapt to stress and regulate what does cortisol do in response to stressors. These have been used for thousands of years and are now backed by modern scientific research.
Top Cortisol-Reducing Adaptogens:
Ashwagandha (Sensoril®)
Clinically proven to reduce cortisol by up to 27.9% in 60 days
Rhodiola Rosea
Helps the body resist physical and mental stress
Holy Basil
Supports healthy cortisol rhythm and stress response
Magnolia Bark
Contains honokiol and magnolol for stress relief
Phosphatidylserine
Supports healthy cortisol levels after exercise
Lemon Balm
Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
Learn more: Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress
CortiSync: Science-Backed Cortisol Support
While lifestyle changes are important, sometimes you need additional support to effectively address what does cortisol do when it’s chronically elevated. That’s where CortiSync comes in – a scientifically formulated supplement that has helped over 15,000 people reduce their cortisol levels naturally.
Clinically Proven Results
67-Day Money-Back Guarantee
The 7 Powerful Ingredients in CortiSync
1. Sensoril® Ashwagandha (125mg)
The gold standard of ashwagandha extracts, clinically proven to reduce cortisol by 27.9% while improving stress resilience and energy levels.
2. Holy Basil Extract (300mg)
Supports healthy cortisol rhythm and helps your body maintain balance during stressful periods.
3. Lemon Balm Extract (300mg)
Promotes relaxation and helps reduce anxiety while supporting cognitive function and mood.
4. Rhodiola Rosea (150mg)
Helps your body resist physical and mental stress while supporting energy and mental clarity.
5. Magnolia Bark Extract (200mg)
Contains honokiol and magnolol, compounds that help reduce cortisol and promote restful sleep.
6. Phosphatidylserine (100mg)
Supports healthy cortisol levels, especially after exercise, and helps protect against stress-induced cognitive decline.
7. L-Theanine (200mg)
Promotes relaxation without drowsiness and helps reduce the stress response while maintaining alertness.
Why CortiSync Works Better Than Individual Supplements
Each ingredient in CortiSync is carefully dosed based on clinical research and works synergistically with the others. This comprehensive approach addresses what does cortisol do from multiple angles, providing more effective results than taking individual supplements.
- Optimal dosing based on clinical studies
- Synergistic ingredient combinations
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- Manufactured in FDA-registered facilities
- 67-day money-back guarantee
Compare options: Cortisol Supplements Comparison
Real Results from Real People
Verified Purchase
“After 6 weeks with CortiSync, I finally started losing the belly fat that wouldn’t budge for years. My sleep improved dramatically, and I have energy throughout the day instead of that afternoon crash.”
– Jennifer K., Age 42
Verified Purchase
“I was skeptical at first, but CortiSync really works. My stress levels are much more manageable, and I’m not constantly thinking about work when I get home. My wife says I’m like a different person.”
– Michael R., Age 38
Ready to Take Control of Your Cortisol?
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✅ Manufactured in FDA-Registered Facilities
Lifestyle Strategies for Long-Term Cortisol Management
While supplements like CortiSync can provide powerful support, creating lasting change in what does cortisol do to your body requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications. Understanding what does cortisol do in response to lifestyle factors can help you make targeted improvements.
🌅 Morning Routine
- • Wake up at the same time daily
- • Get 10-15 minutes of sunlight
- • Practice gratitude or meditation
- • Eat a protein-rich breakfast
- • Avoid checking emails immediately
🍽️ Nutrition Guidelines
- • Eat regular, balanced meals
- • Limit caffeine after 2 PM
- • Include omega-3 rich foods
- • Stay hydrated throughout the day
- • Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods
🌙 Evening Routine
- • Set a consistent bedtime
- • Create a relaxing wind-down ritual
- • Dim lights 1-2 hours before bed
- • Practice deep breathing or stretching
- • Keep bedroom cool and dark
Building Stress Resilience
The goal isn’t to eliminate all stress – that’s impossible. Instead, we want to build resilience so that what does cortisol do in response to stress is appropriate and temporary, not chronic and damaging. Understanding what does cortisol do when you’re resilient versus when you’re overwhelmed is key to long-term health.
The 4 Pillars of Stress Resilience
1. Physical Resilience
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition provide the foundation for handling stress.
2. Mental Resilience
Cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and positive thinking patterns help you navigate challenges.
3. Emotional Resilience
Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms support mental well-being.
4. Social Resilience
Strong relationships, social support, and community connections provide a buffer against stress.
Read more: Lifestyle Changes for Cortisol
When to Seek Professional Help
While natural approaches and supplements can be highly effective, sometimes the effects of what does cortisol do when chronically elevated require professional medical intervention. Understanding what does cortisol do in extreme cases helps you recognize when medical attention is necessary.
Seek Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Unexplained weight gain of more than 10 pounds
- Blood pressure consistently above 140/90
- Severe mood changes, depression, or anxiety
- Frequent infections or slow wound healing
- Muscle weakness or bone pain
- Purple stretch marks or easy bruising
Testing Your Cortisol Levels
If you suspect your symptoms are related to what does cortisol do when levels are abnormal, several tests can help determine your cortisol status:
Saliva Cortisol Test
Measures free cortisol levels at multiple times throughout the day. This is often the most accurate way to assess cortisol rhythm.
Best for: Assessing daily cortisol patterns
24-Hour Urine Test
Measures total cortisol production over a full day. Provides comprehensive view of cortisol output.
Best for: Detecting overall cortisol excess
Learn more: How to Test Cortisol Levels and Interpreting Cortisol Test Results
Take Control of Your Cortisol Today
Understanding what does cortisol do in your body is the first step toward reclaiming your health and vitality. This powerful hormone affects virtually every aspect of your well-being, from your weight and energy levels to your mood and immune function. Now that you know what does cortisol do when it’s out of balance, you can take action to restore harmony to your system.
The seven shocking effects we’ve explored – stubborn belly fat, sleep disruption, weakened immunity, cognitive decline, muscle loss, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances – don’t have to be your reality. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and targeted supplementation, you can restore balance to your cortisol levels and transform your health.
Your Action Plan for Cortisol Control
Start Today
Begin implementing stress management techniques and lifestyle changes immediately.
Add Support
Consider CortiSync for clinically-proven cortisol reduction and faster results.
Stay Consistent
Maintain your new habits for 8-12 weeks to see significant improvements.
Ready to Transform Your Health?
Don’t let elevated cortisol continue to sabotage your health and happiness. Join the thousands who have successfully reduced their cortisol levels with CortiSync.
Order CortiSync Now – Only $49.99
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Remember, the effects of what does cortisol do when chronically elevated didn’t develop overnight, and they won’t disappear overnight either. But with consistent effort and the right support, you can restore balance to your stress hormones and reclaim the vibrant health you deserve.
Your journey to better health starts with a single step. Take that step today, and in just a few weeks, you could be experiencing the energy, mental clarity, and well-being that comes with balanced cortisol levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cortisol do in the human body?
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone that regulates metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and blood pressure. It helps your body respond to stress and danger, but chronic elevation can cause serious health problems including weight gain, sleep issues, and weakened immunity.
What are the main effects of high cortisol levels?
High cortisol levels can cause stubborn belly fat, sleep disruption, weakened immune system, memory problems, muscle loss, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances. These effects can significantly impact your quality of life and long-term health.
How can I naturally reduce cortisol levels?
Natural ways to reduce cortisol include regular exercise, stress management techniques, adequate sleep, meditation, deep breathing, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha. Supplements like CortiSync can also help reduce cortisol by up to 27.9%.
What foods help lower cortisol naturally?
Foods that help lower cortisol include dark chocolate, bananas, pears, black tea, probiotics, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, and foods high in magnesium and vitamin C. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and processed foods also helps maintain healthy cortisol levels.
How long does it take to reduce cortisol levels?
With consistent lifestyle changes and proper supplementation, you may notice improvements in 2-4 weeks. However, significant cortisol reduction typically takes 8-12 weeks of consistent effort. Clinical studies show CortiSync can reduce cortisol by 27.9% in 60 days.
Can high cortisol cause weight gain?
Yes, high cortisol is strongly linked to weight gain, especially around the midsection. Cortisol increases appetite, promotes fat storage, and can lead to insulin resistance, making it extremely difficult to lose weight even with diet and exercise.
What are the symptoms of high cortisol?
Common symptoms of high cortisol include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, frequent infections, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience multiple symptoms, consider getting your cortisol levels tested.
Is CortiSync safe for daily use?
Yes, CortiSync is formulated with natural, clinically-studied ingredients and is safe for daily use when taken as directed. It’s manufactured in FDA-registered facilities and comes with a 67-day money-back guarantee. However, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Medical References
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 136(3), 344-349.
- Epel, E., Lapidus, R., McEwen, B., & Brownell, K. (2001). Stress may add bite to appetite in women: a laboratory study of stress-induced cortisol and eating behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 26(1), 37-49.
- Meerlo, P., Sgoifo, A., & Suchecki, D. (2008). Restricted and disrupted sleep: effects on autonomic function, neuroendocrine stress systems and stress responsivity. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 12(3), 197-210.
- Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G. E. (2007). Psychological stress and disease. JAMA, 298(14), 1685-1687.
- Lupien, S. J., McEwen, B. S., Gunnar, M. R., & Heim, C. (2009). Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 434-445.
- Duclos, M., Corcuff, J. B., Arsac, L., Moreau-Gaudry, F., Rashedi, M., Roger, P., … & Manier, G. (1998). Corticotroph axis sensitivity after exercise in endurance-trained athletes. Clinical Endocrinology, 48(4), 493-501.
- Walker, B. R. (2007). Glucocorticoids and cardiovascular disease. European Journal of Endocrinology, 157(5), 545-559
