THE ROLE OF CORTISOL DYSREGULATION IN METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE DISORDERS

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays an essential role in stress adaptation, glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, immune modulation, and energy homeostasis. Dysregulation of cortisol secretion can lead to significant endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to analyze the pathophysiological role of cortisol excess and deficiency in metabolic and endocrine disorders. A literature-based analytical approach was used to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, glucocorticoid receptor signaling, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, muscle and bone effects, immune regulation, and cardiovascular consequences. The analysis shows that chronic cortisol excess promotes insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, visceral adiposity, dyslipidemia, muscle wasting, hypertension, and osteoporosis, whereas cortisol deficiency may lead to hypoglycemia, hypotension, fatigue, weight loss, and impaired stress tolerance. Cortisol dysregulation therefore affects multiple organ systems and can significantly alter metabolic homeostasis. Accurate assessment requires interpretation of clinical findings together with appropriate biochemical testing of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Understanding the mechanisms of cortisol action is essential for the diagnosis and management of disorders such as Cushing syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.