cortisoldriven

Cortisoldriven is a coined term used to describe physiological, behavioral, or pathological processes that are governed or modulated by the hormone cortisol. It is not a formal medical diagnosis but a label for systems where cortisol level fluctuations correlate with observable outcomes.

In humans, cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to ACTH from the pituitary, under control of the hypothalamus via CRH. Its release follows a diurnal pattern, peaking in the early morning and dipping at night. Cortisol acts through glucocorticoid receptors in many tissues to regulate metabolism, immune function, and brain activity. Acute increases support energy mobilization and stress adaptation, while chronic elevations can contribute to metabolic changes and immune suppression.

Cortisoldriven processes include: glucose production by gluconeogenesis in the liver; redistribution of fat; protein breakdown; modulation of inflammatory responses; mood and cognitive performance, including memory consolidation; appetite and eating behavior. In the brain, cortisol interacts with receptors in hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, influencing fear, attention, and executive function.

Measurement of cortisol in research often uses saliva, plasma, urine, or hair samples, with recognition of diurnal variation and context effects. Interpreting cortisoldriven phenomena requires considering timing, chronicity, and individual baseline.

Clinically, sustained high cortisol characterizes Cushing's syndrome, while cortisol deficiency occurs in Addison's disease. Chronic stress, shift work, or sleep disruption can produce cortisoldriven metabolic and mood symptoms, complicating immunity, glucose control, and weight management. In non-human species, the predominant glucocorticoid may differ (corticosterone in many rodents).