Study finds low cortisol levels linked to neurological symptoms of Long COVID, suggesting stress management may help manage symptoms.

New research from the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that low cortisol levels, a hormone that regulates blood pressure and sleep-wake cycles, may underlie neurological symptoms of Long COVID. The study published in the journal Brain Behavior and Immunity found that COVID-19 antigens, immune-stimulating proteins present in Long COVID patients, can lower cortisol levels in the brain, inflame the nervous system, and cause it to hyper-react to stressors. Researchers discovered that cortisol, a crucial anti-inflammatory hormone, plays a significant role in the physiological changes experienced by long COVID patients. The findings suggest that identifying and minimizing different stressors may help manage long COVID symptoms, while further research is needed to determine how low cortisol may contribute to the condition.

August 19, 2024
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