Welcome to Trojan Cortisol Assessment and Laboratory Measurement (CALM)! Trojan CALM is a student-led study that aims to evaluate the effects of physical and mental stress on cortisol levels on members of the USC community.
Is there a difference in the stress that we are experiencing ourselves mentally, and does that correlate physiologically?
In reading cortisol, which is the stress hormone naturally produced by the body, we can aim to further understand this question.
What is stress?
Stress is a physical or mental response produced to an external cause, such as having lots of homework or having an illness.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced by the zona fasciculata located within the adrenal glands, which can be found on top of your kidneys.
Cortisol is widely known as the body’s stress hormone. In other words, increased levels of cortisol would be indicative of elevated stress levels.
Effects of homeostatic levels of cortisol include increased metabolism, healthy Na+ levels, promotes healthy GI function, balanced blood sugar levels, increased immune response, and restorative sleep.
Increased levels of cortisol can lead to increased blood pressure and blood glucose levels, weight gain, decreased metabolism, muscle weakness, weakened immune response, and difficulty sleeping, which are signs and symptoms often reported by those who may be experiencing a lot of stress.