Cortisol stress hormone – Gene FKBP5

Cortisol is known to be a stress hormone. It has a significant impact on the body’s interaction, among other things, with skeletal muscle, blood glucose level or rate of release of amino acids. All that has to prepare the body for the potential threat. The problem occurs when cortisol affects the body too often, leading for example to the development of symptoms characteristic of its excess.

Cortisol affects the body through receptors. Scientific studies have shown a link between the genetics of these receptors and the influence of stress on human functioning. One of the main genes that affect cortisol secretion is the gene FKBP5. Marking a variant of this gene can help us to learn how our body reacts to stress and, more importantly, enable us to learn to tame and master it.

Nowadays, stress is omnipresent. In moderate doses we need it, as it helps us to cope with daily challenges. Remember, however, that too high a dose of chronic stress is very dangerous to your health; not only can it block your activity, but it can also lead to chronic disorders. That is why it is so important to know how to effectively deal with stress.

Currently, it is believed that stress negatively affects all aspects of human life: from work and health right up to relationships with loved ones. Research indicates that more than half of the cases of suspension of professional activity (at different periods) are due to disorders caused by stress. Stress is also responsible for up to 70% of accidents in the workplace. Equally alarming figures relate to the impact of stress on our health. Intense, long-term stress increases the risk of serious disease within two years by almost 40%.