Question: I have heard that Cortisol suppresses the immune system. Why is it that I need to increase my Cortisol when I am sick? This seems like the time that one would not want to suppress the immune system.

Answer: This is a good question. Cortisol in high doses and chronically, and the key here is chronically, will suppress the immune system. Extra replacement of Glucocorticoids for stressful situations should be reserved for severe stresses. We do not give extra cortisol for cold or flu-like illnesses. Extra replacement includes times of severe stress such as a broken bone, surgery, and/or severe infection such as pneumonia. Cortisol is necessary to counteract stresses and the emphasis is on temporarily counteracting severe stresses. Your thoughts about suppressing the immune system are correct. The extra Cortisone with stress should last only 24 to 36 hours and immediately dropped to the replacement dose range.

By Dr. David Cook MD (February, 1999)