Why the new hormone trend does more harm than good

Under the title ‘Questionable hormone hype on the internet – what’s behind the “cortisol detox” trend?’, the physician classifies the current myths surrounding the stress hormone cortisol and makes it clear that cortisol is not a toxin that can or must be ‘eliminated’ – rather, it is a vital hormone with numerous important functions.

Cortisol, a vital steroid hormone

Cortisol is part of our natural stress system. It ensures that we remain productive in stressful situations, regulates metabolism, supports the cardiovascular system and influences the immune system. Its levels fluctuate throughout the day – high in the morning, low in the evening – and are finely tuned and regulated by the body. The idea of ‘switching off’ cortisol with cures, detox powders or expensive dietary supplements is therefore not only nonsensical, but potentially dangerous.

Monitoring and regulating cortisol levels?

There are numerous offers circulating online that promise exactly that: self-tests designed to reveal stress levels, alleged detox programmes and special diets. What these offers have in common is that they exploit people’s uncertainties and create avoidable fears.

Individual measurements – such as a simple saliva test at a single point in time – do not provide any reliable data, as cortisol can fluctuate greatly over short periods of time. The result of these self-tests is misinterpretation and unnecessary anxiety.

In the ZDF programme, Prof. Wüster therefore expressly warns against such ‘miracle cures’. Anyone who suffers from persistent symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, sleep problems or high blood pressure should seek medical advice. Only differentiated laboratory analyses – ideally several times a day and in the context of other values – allow a reliable assessment of hormone balance.

Instead of following questionable detox trends, Prof. Wüster recommends proven measures to keep the stress hormone cortisol in balance:

• Regular sleep and consistent rhythms
• Exercise and sport, tailored to individual resilience
• Stress management techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga
• A balanced diet instead of crash diets or supplements without proven benefits

The message is clear: Cortisol doesn’t need a “detox”—it needs understanding. Anyone who feels confused by medical trends on the internet should seek expert advice and seek medical advice.