India, June 17 -- Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, plays a vital role in helping the body manage stress. However, when cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods, it can disrupt the balance of other hormones and contribute to a range of health complications. Nutritionist Nupuur Patil, on April 11, shared a post addressing the effects of cortisol levels in weight loss and wrote, "Cortisol is a stress hormone that messes up other hormones in the body including sleep hormone melatonin, thyroid, hunger and fullness hormones gherlin and leptin, glucose and insulin, and other hormones like prolactin which are important and decide how you lose or store fat." Also read | Always stressed? 6 signs that indicate your body h...