9.1.3) Cortisol
Your ability to regulate cortisol levels normally
Cortisol is an essential steroid hormone sometimes known as the “stress hormone”. Produced in the adrenal gland, it is essential to stress response within the body. However, cortisol has many functions in the body such as its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels and your metabolism. It also helps reduce inflammation, assist with memory formulation, control blood pressure and in women, support the developing fetus during pregnancy.
The SERPINA6 gene encodes a protein called corticosteroid-binding globulin. This protein then binds to our cortisol hormone and delivers it to other tissues when needed. Variations in corticosteroid-binding globulin affect binding affinity for cortisol and tissue delivery of cortisol. Individuals carrying variation in plasma cortisol have been associated with extreme fatigue, chronic pain, cardiovascular and psychiatric disease. These individuals may have a harder time losing weight and building muscle.
If you have a variation in this panel, you may want to consider the following to improve your health:
- If you have symptoms related to irregular cortisol levels talk to your health care provider about getting your cortisol levels tested.
- If your cortisol levels are irregular there are health care measures that you can take to increase your quality of life.
- Try to increase your sleep, decrease your stress, and take up relaxing activities such as yoga and meditation.
An example of a gene that has been associated with ability to regulate cortisol levels normally is:
SERPINA6: Encodes corticosteroid-binding globulin, the major plasma binding protein of glucocorticoids and regulates plasma cortisol levels and bioavailability in humans.