The primary hormone that suppresses the immune system, especially during stress, is cortisol, a glucocorticoid, which reduces inflammation but can lead to overall immunosuppression with prolonged elevation, weakening defenses against infections. Other steroid hormones, like androgens (e.g., testosterone) and estrogens, also influence immunity, but cortisol is the key player in stress-induced immune dampening.
Glucocorticoids are known to have strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and pleiotropic effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. They suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages and DCs and the production of IFN-γ by NK cells, thus inhibiting innate immunity.
Among these are pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, prolactin, melatonin, histamine, serotonin, and catecholamines. These hormones are essential not just for overall bodily health but for the optimal functioning of the immune system itself.
Cortisol is immunosuppressive in function, and elicits its immunosuppressive effects by downregulating key inflammatory transcription factors, NF-kB and AP-1, and upregulating the suppressor of cytokines (SOCS), which in turn inhibits STAT phosphorylation and downstream pro-inflammatory gene transcription, essentially ...
Prolonged cortisol exposure reduces T cell proliferation and activity, diminishing the body's ability to mount effective immune responses [29]. This immunosuppressive effect is well-documented, particularly in cases of chronic stress.
Things That Suppress Your Immune System
How to reduce stress hormones
Interestingly, high levels of estrogen can also have an immune-suppressive effect, and, conversely, at low levels, it can show immunostimulatory activity (Klein & Flanagan, 2016; Straub, 2007). This means that the balance of this hormone also plays an important role in the immune response.
Here are several ways to help lower your cortisol levels and maintain a calm state of mind during times of heightened stress in your life:
What are the signs and symptoms of high cortisol levels?
If the body's cortisol response goes on for too long, we may have symptoms. These symptoms mainly affect the immune system. They include: Decreased immune response.
It can also happen to people following organ transplants who take medicine to prevent organ rejection. Also, infections like the flu virus, mono (mononucleosis), and measles can weaken the immune system for a brief time. Your immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition.
The immune system plays a crucial role in the susceptibility, persistence, and clearance of these infections. With 70–80% of immune cells being present in the gut, there is an intricate interplay between the intestinal microbiota, the intestinal epithelial layer, and the local mucosal immune system.
Generally, steroid hormones are implicated in the immune response, with estrogens as enhancers at least of the humoral immunity and androgens and progesterone (and glucocorticoids) as natural immunosuppressors.
Progesterone also works as an immunosuppressant. High levels of progesterone also cause an increased risk of infections and overall lowers the immune system.
The thyroid hormones (THs), 3,3′,5,5′ tetraiodo-L-thyroxine (T4) and 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) play essential roles in both the innate and adaptive immune responses.
How to prevent cortisol spikes at night? Prevent cortisol spikes at night by keeping stress low, getting enough sleep, staying in sync with your circadian rhythm (or body clock), avoiding late-night intense exercise, and eating a healthy diet.
A 21-day cortisol detox is a holistic reset program focusing on nutrition, sleep, digital boundaries, and mindful movement to lower chronic stress (cortisol) levels, addressing issues like fatigue, belly fat, and poor sleep by nourishing adrenal glands and calming the nervous system. These plans often involve anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, fatty fish, berries), limiting digital distractions, practicing breathing exercises (4-7-8), improving sleep hygiene, and incorporating gentle exercise like yoga to restore hormonal balance and energy.
Cortisol imbalance
When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that, in high levels, can suppress immune function. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness can help mitigate its detrimental effects on the immune system.
Cell Regulation — Estrogen helps activate immune cells, such as T-cells2-5 and B-cells6,7, to fight infections or respond to invaders. Without estrogen, these cells might not perform as effectively, leading to immune imbalance.
Androgens promote autoimmune diseases with a profile of type 1 cytokines, such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereas estrogens promote autoimmune diseases with a type 2 cytokine profile, like systemic lupus erythematosus. Both androgens and estrogens regulate the Th1/Th2 balance.
Are eggs good for cortisol? Yes, eggs can help manage cortisol levels. They're rich in protein and healthy fats, which keep your energy stable and reduce stress on the body. Eating them in the morning may support better hormone balance.
High cortisol levels, often from chronic stress or conditions like Cushing's Syndrome, cause symptoms like weight gain (especially around the belly, face, and neck), fatigue, high blood pressure, high blood sugar (leading to diabetes), thinning skin, easy bruising, acne, and mood changes (anxiety, irritability), plus potential issues with sleep, digestion, and reproductive health.
The best supplements to reduce cortisol include: ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, omega-3s, magnolia bark extract, and phosphatidylserine. Supplements work best when paired with healthy habits like movement, mindfulness, and good sleep.