The Cortisol Curve: What Stress Is Doing to Your Hormones
You may not feel like you’re “stressed” but your body might tell a different story. Cortisol, your primary stress hormone, plays a major role in your energy, appetite, sleep, and cycle. And when it’s chronically elevated or suppressed, it throws everything off balance.
High cortisol can lead to:
- Sleepless nights
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Midsection weight gain
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Cravings and blood sugar crashes
- Irregular or painful periods
Low cortisol (after prolonged stress) brings:
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Morning fatigue
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Trouble focusing
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Dizziness when standing
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A flat, wired-but-tired feeling
The fix? It’s not just about meditating or taking a bath. Supporting your cortisol levels means building in recovery throughout the day:
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Start the morning with sunlight and protein
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Limit caffeine and screens late at night
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Create buffer time to transition or rest between stressful activities
- Practice daily breath work or slow movement
- Make sure to do things that bring you joy!
Cortisol is something to pay attention to. When you learn to listen, you can support your body’s natural rhythm and everything else falls more easily into place.
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Medical Disclaimer
Information in this post and on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information is a result of practice experience and research by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.