Can Cortisol help with fatigue?

Whether cortisol can help with fatigue requires careful nuance. Cortisol is a vital stress hormone that mobilizes the body during challenges. In confirmed adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), medically prescribed cortisol replacement therapy can alleviate the characteristic exhaustion. However, for the much more common general or chronic fatigue without endocrine disorder, cortisol supplementation is not indicated and may be harmful: chronically elevated cortisol levels (e.g., from ongoing stress) are linked to sleep disruption, immune suppression, and metabolic issues. The provided context documents contain no specific studies on cortisol and fatigue. Therefore, this assessment relies on general medical knowledge. Evidence grade: unclear (no direct evidence in context). Caveat: over-the-counter supplements claiming to modulate cortisol (e.g., 'cortisol managers') lack robust clinical validation and may cause side effects. Persistent fatigue warrants a medical workup to rule out thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, sleep apnea, and other treatable causes.