Meet Cortisol, the Hormone You Can't Ignore

8. Managing cortisol levels

One way to help manage cortisol levels is stress management. Techniques to lower stress can include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Exercising
• Listening to claiming music
• Taking breaks
• Getting enough sleep
• Talking to friends and family
• Some research has found that diets high in refined grains, saturated fat, and added sugar led to higher cortisol levels than those high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and polyunsaturated fats

Cortisol levels can also be managed with medication. Those with high cortisol due to Cushing's syndrome may take medication to control cortisol production in the adrenal gland or help the body use cortisol more effectively. Addison's disease usually involves steroid replacement for life to replace cortisol and other hormones affected by the condition.