Anger is an emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. When someone is angry, their body produces stress hormones, including cortisol. But does feeling angry actually cause your body to release cortisol?
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is often called the “stress hormone” because it is released when the body experiences stress or low blood glucose levels. Cortisol plays an important role in the body’s stress response system.
When you encounter a stressful event, your hypothalamus signals your pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then signals your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and release it into your bloodstream. This activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, giving you a burst of energy and strength to respond to threatening situations.
Cortisol increases blood sugar levels to provide your body with fuel. It also suppresses nonessential functions like reproduction, growth, and digestion while the body deals with stress. Cortisol levels typically peak about 20-30 minutes after a stressful event begins. The levels decline once the stress is removed.
How does anger relate to cortisol?
When you get angry, your body reacts in much the same way as it does to other stressors. You experience a flood of stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, to prepare you to respond to a perceived threat or challenge.
Anger is considered an “approach-related” emotion, meaning it prepares you to actively confront the source of frustration. This is different than the “withdrawal-related” emotion of fear, which makes you want to retreat from a threat.
When the amygdala and hypothalamus detect a threat that makes you angry, they trigger the release of hormones like cortisol without waiting for conscious thought. So cortisol levels can rise rapidly even before you feel aware of being angry.
Studies on anger and cortisol
Numerous studies have shown that anger is associated with heightened cortisol secretion:
- A 2001 study found cortisol levels were significantly higher when participants played a competitive anger-provoking video game compared to a non-frustrating video game.
- In a 2005 study, cortisol increased in participants who were insulted and given an opportunity to ruminate on it or retaliate.
- A 2007 study on women found that those who tended to suppress or control their anger had higher daily cortisol levels.
- Research in 2008 showed cortisol increased during angry rumination after an anger-inducing social stress test.
- In a 2014 study, cortisol levels were elevated when participants were insulted by a confederate posing as another subject.
These studies demonstrate that provoking anger in laboratory settings leads to increased cortisol secretion. However, some studies also suggest that cortisol responses may depend on individual factors:
- A 2002 study found men had higher cortisol levels after anger induction, while women had higher levels after sadness induction.
- Research in 2004 showed that cortisol responses to anger provocation depended on childhood trauma history.
- One 2015 study found that trait anger (angry temperament) did not predict cortisol reactivity to a stress test.
So while many studies show a link between provoked anger and cortisol secretion, the responses may vary between individuals based on gender, trauma history, and innate anger tendencies.
Acute vs. chronic anger
Research suggests there may be a difference in cortisol responses between sudden feelings of anger and prolonged angry states.
Acute anger that arises from an isolated frustrating event does appear to activate the body’s stress response and trigger cortisol release. However, studies on chronic or frequent anger are more mixed:
- A 2000 study found men who frequently suppressed their anger showed lower daily cortisol levels.
- Research in 2004 showed that chronically hostile individuals had lower cortisol responses to acute stress tests.
- A 2005 study found that high trait anger was associated with blunted cortisol reactivity to a stressor.
These findings suggest that repeatedly experiencing anger may cause the body to adapt to frequent cortisol elevations. So those with chronically angry moods may eventually show lower daily cortisol levels and more muted responses to stress.
How does cortisol relate to health?
Cortisol is vital for coordinating the stress response. But chronic overexposure to cortisol can put a person at risk for various health problems. Potential effects of elevated cortisol include:
- High blood pressure
- Lower immune function
- Increased blood glucose
- Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits
- Digestive issues
- Bone loss
- Impaired memory and concentration
Cortisol also influences the activity of other hormones like insulin, epinephrine, and testosterone. So prolonged cortisol elevations can disrupt endocrine health.
Because of these widespread effects, excessive stress and cortisol exposure have been linked to conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Obesity
Experiencing occasional anger is normal and probably will not cause major cortisol-related health effects. But chronic, unmanaged anger can keep cortisol levels constantly high, which may increase the risk of stress-related illnesses.
Ways to manage anger and cortisol
Learning to control anger and react constructively can help prevent prolonged cortisol elevations. Some tips to manage anger in a healthier way include:
- Identify triggers – Notice patterns about what situations tend to provoke your anger.
- Calm down – Take deep breaths, count backwards, or visualize a relaxing place.
- Think before responding – Don’t act rashly in anger. Consider the facts and possible solutions.
- Communicate positively – Express the issue assertively without accusing or attacking others.
- Exercise – Physical activity can relieve tension and stress hormones.
- Use humor – Laughing can instantly lower stress and elevate mood.
Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation can also help lower cortisol levels. If you frequently struggle to control anger, counseling may help identify the underlying reasons and develop constructive coping strategies.
Conclusion
Experiencing occasional bouts of anger does lead to temporary cortisol increases to mobilize energy and strength. However, unmanaged chronic anger may cause cortisol adaptations that lower daily levels and reactivity. Learning to control anger through self-awareness, communication skills, humor, and relaxation can prevent prolonged high cortisol that may impair health.
| Study | Findings on Anger and Cortisol |
|---|---|
| Böhnke et al. (2010) | Cortisol increased after induced angry rumination in men but not women |
| Moons et al. (2010) | Cortisol levels were elevated after harassment meant to provoke anger |
| Pope et al. (2000) | Men who frequently suppressed anger showed lower daily cortisol |
| Richman et al. (2007) | Women who controlled anger had higher cortisol levels |
| Rohleder et al. (2004) | Chronically hostile individuals exhibited lower cortisol reactivity |