Understanding how cortisol functions, and the effect it can have on physical and mental health over time, is an important step toward improving stress management and protecting overall wellbeing.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” It is produced by the adrenal glands and plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, immune function, blood pressure and the body’s response to stress. When faced with a challenge, cortisol is released to help the body respond by increasing energy, alertness and readiness for action.
In short bursts, this response is useful. However, when stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels can remain elevated longer than necessary, contributing to a wide range of health concerns.
How Chronic Stress Affects the Body
Persistently high cortisol levels can lead to both physical and mental health effects, many of which may go unnoticed or be attributed to other causes. These may include:
For busy professionals, these symptoms can become easy to overlook or accept as part of a demanding lifestyle. However, they may be early indicators that the body is under ongoing strain.
Why We Don’t Routinely Test for Cortisol
At Executive Health Solutions by Altius (EHS), we are committed to evidence-based medicine. While cortisol plays a critical role in the stress response, routine cortisol testing is not an appropriate way to assess stress.
Our Medical Director, Dr Mark Penny, explains: “Cortisol measurements are primarily used for the diagnosis of very rare endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome (overproduction) or Addison’s disease (deficiency). They should only be ordered when there is a clear clinical indication to investigate such disorders.”
Cortisol must also be measured at specific times due to its natural diurnal rhythm, and interpretation often requires additional tests and specialist input, typically from an endocrinologist.
Inappropriate use of cortisol testing to screen for stress is not only clinically unjustified but may also lead to unnecessary concern or misinterpretation. Cortisol testing as part of a general wellness check-up or as a way to “quantify” stress can give a false impression of precision without contributing to better outcomes.
Why It Matters for Executive Health
Chronic stress influences not just how we feel, but how we function in everyday settings. Elevated cortisol has been linked to reduced decision-making capacity, lower cognitive flexibility and increased risk of burnout.
In roles where clarity, responsiveness and sustained focus are critical, managing stress becomes more than a personal health goal. It plays a meaningful role in long-term cognitive and physical resilience.
Simple Ways to Support Cortisol Balance
While it is not realistic—or necessary—to eliminate stress entirely, there are practical ways to support the body’s response to it:
Final Thought
Stress is an expected part of modern life, but when it becomes prolonged, its effects can accumulate in ways that are easy to overlook. Cortisol, as a central part of the body’s stress response, plays a key role in that process. Recognising the signs of chronic stress and understanding how it affects both physical and mental health is essential. With greater awareness and practical strategies, it is possible to reduce the impact of chronic stress and support long-term wellbeing