Comment · Wed, September 4, 2013
MDMA can increase cortisol levels by 800% in dance clubbers.
What they were answering
loercase · 15 points
What badass research. Imagine signing up for that study by accident. These kids must have felt like they won the lottery.
Thrill aside, I wonder if all this cortisol isn't the product of a massive energy expenditure for several hours without food. These subjects' body temperatures must have been through the roof, and that in itself is enough reason for the body to mass produce cortisol.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb
The rise in cortisol is most definitely in response to the increased body load, and doesn't stay elevated long-term. I had my cortisol levels checked a few months ago, along with a bunch of other markers, and I was perfectly healthy. However, I always supplement with my MDMA, and don't take it that often. I also take a lot of adaptogens on a day to day basis, which helps keep cortisol levels steady.
The problem with most "dance clubber" MDMA users is that they over-extend their bodies by dancing for too long, overheating, and dehydrating themselves. It doesn't help that some clubs/festivals make it hard to get water, or are too crowded to maintain proper airflow. I guarantee you will find much less cortisol increases in someone who takes MDMA at home in a more calm setting with proper air temperatures and water intake.