Cortisol

A natural steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands in response to stress, including dieting, cognitive dietary restraint, situational stress, illness, and intense exercise. High estrogen levels amplify the stress-related production of cortisol. OR a stress hormone made by the adrenal glands. An essential hormone, it functions to maintain blood pressure, assist with fighting infections and preserving health. However, when cortisol levels are too high, as a result of stress, illness, or undernutrition, bone loss results. Cortisol causes increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Progesterone competes for the cortisol receptor on the osteoblast, possibly preventing cortisol from stopping bone growth.