“Everyone has it”: a hormone accused of all evils on social networks … wrongly?

Influencers on social networks point to cortisol, the stress hormone, to explain many symptoms and sell products so-called miracles. Therefore, A doctor warns.

Many viral videos on Tiktok and Instagram point to cortisol as the origin of many evils, mainly aesthetic. For example, A whole series of symptoms would be assigned to him: migraines. For example, weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, drop in libido and the famous “cortisol facing”, this buffected face supposed to betray an excess of this hormone. Therefore, “All this is not false but it remains in exceptional circumstances,” said Dr. However, Hautfenne general practitioner in Ottignies.

Cortisol, also called “stress hormone”, is produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the “everyone it”: hormone accused all kidneys. Consequently, Its rate varies during the day: higher in the morning, it decreases gradually. Peaks may appear in case of stress, without danger to health.

“It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which has many metabolic functions: on proteins. lipids, carbohydrates, in the muscle, inflammatory level … Everyone has it,” explains Frédéric Hautfenne.

Syndrome de Cushing – "everyone it": hormone accused all

On the other hand. abnormally high cortisol levels permanently “everyone it”: hormone accused all can cause significant weight gain or extreme swelling of the face. We then speak of Cushing’s syndrome, a serious and extremely rare disease – from 1 to 6 cases per million inhabitants. In this case, a simple diet or food supplements are of no use.

However. on social networks, some influencers take the opportunity to promote “miracle solutions” supposed to reduce cortisol: food supplements, specific diets, anti-cortisol drinks like matcha … Often, links refer to paid products. Methods deemed unnecessary by the medical profession. “There are always lots of people who have a lot to “everyone it”: hormone accused all sell. If in doubt, talk to your doctor, ”insists the general practitioner.

The obsession for this hormone and its supposed effect on the face is not new. But on social networks, she continues to make a recipe … and bring big.