#CortisolTok: Debunking Misinformation on TikTok About the Stress Hormone

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 08 September 2023, 03:09 pm

TikTok, where lifestyle ideas go viral in seconds, has made health and wellness topics appealing. From new recipes to financial management guidance, TikTok and Instagram Reels provide a wealth of knowledge. However, health trends on these platforms have blurred the distinction between medical facts and anecdotes, which could lead to misinformation.

The author of "Wellness Culture: How the Wellness Movement has been Used to Empower, Profit, and Misinform," Stephanie Baker, is well aware of how appealing health and wellness trends may be in the fast-paced society we live in today.

According to her observation, as quoted by ABC, "Following huge advancements in health over the past century, many consumers look for lifestyle hacks and changes they can implement to improve their lives.

Cortisol has become a key health subject in a society full of pressures. Under the hashtag #CortisolTok, cortisol, known as the body's stress hormone, is now popular on social media. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing expenses for living, climate change worries, and housing crises have combined to make 2023 a challenging year for many.

As a result, TikTok video makers have asserted that elevated cortisol levels are to blame for several health problems, such as weight gain, anxiety, and exhaustion.

Videos with subtitles like "I didn't believe it myself either until I started healing through a natural approach" are abundant with assertions that elevated cortisol levels are responsible for issues like acne, decreased sex desire, and extra weight in certain places like the face and tummy.

High cortisol levels have also been linked to puffier jowls, according to one content producer. However, according to experts, many of these TikTok videos spread the myth that cortisol is to blame for a variety of health issues.

Here's What The Experts Say About #Cortisol

Experts like Dr. Theresa Larkin, however, advise against cortisol's function being oversimplified. Dr. Larkin adds that cortisol does play a significant role in aiding weight loss in people. She emphasizes that persistent stress-related low cortisol levels often contribute to weight gain. Health claims concerning cortisol levels and advice on treating excessive cortisol may oversimplify complicated health concerns.

Additionally, each person's body is different, and they all come from different histories in terms of health. One should take information concerning high cortisol levels with caution since it may not apply to everyone. Overproduction of cortisol causes medically recognized disorders such as Cushing's disease or Cushing's syndrome, which need rigorous testing to diagnose. Doctors normally only order these tests in exceptional circumstances.

In general, cortisol is necessary to the body. Its main purpose is safety in dangerous situations. Increased blood sugar and heart rate are vital in a fight-or-flight scenario. Some research has shown that cortisol increases help reduce "negative" emotions like anger and distress. Dr. Hana Patel, a general practitioner and sleep and mental health expert, explained in an Elle article that "a raised cholesterol can be protective in helping mood and manage stressful situations."

@breannekallonen Cortisol and its symptoms #cortisol #bellyfat #insulinresistance #stress #pcosawareness #healingjourney #wellness #foryou #hashimotos #thyroid #guthealthtiktok #functionalmedicine #doctorsoftiktok #burnout ♬ Stories 2 - Danilo Stankovic

Take Note of These High Cortisol Symptoms

On TikTok, some medical conditions are often attributed to the presence of elevated cortisol levels. However, elevated cortisol levels may not necessarily be to blame. Cushing's syndrome symptoms, according to the NHS, include the following:

Increased fat on the chest and stomach, but slimmer arms and legs
A buildup of fat on the back of the neck and shoulders
A red, puffy, rounded face; skin that bruises easily
Weakness in the upper arms and thighs
A reduced sex drive
Libido and fertility problems
Depression and mood swings

Cushing's syndrome is still quite uncommon and these symptoms might be attributable to a broad variety of factors. According to the Huffington Post, the condition mostly affects women aged 20-50, although it may affect anyone. So, those who find TikTok content about elevated cortisol levels should proceed with care and see a doctor for a proper assessment of their health needs.

In many instances, social media has become an agent in spreading misleading medical data, causing severe concerns. Steve Robson, president of the Australian Medical Association, emphasizes health literacy and the need for individuals to make health choices based on real expert advice rather than relying on unverified claims in TikTok videos.