07/31/2023
When our Cortisol (stress hormone) is in “overdrive” then every downstream hormone is also impacted (thyroid, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone etc.)
With never-ending to-do lists and life moving at hyperdrive, stress is something we know all too well. And while some stress is normal and supports peak performance in many areas, excess, chronic stress wreaks havoc on our health and well-being.
Cortisol, called the "stress hormone," is critical in the stress response and so many aspects of modern living trigger us to over-produce it including lack of good quality or enough sleep, blood sugar imbalances, stress & overwhelm, chronic inflammation, trauma, microbiome disruption, environmental chemical exposures, and more.
High cortisol causes a lot of wear and tear on our health - and can cause vicious self-perpetuating cycles - for example, high cortisol also affects sleep, then fatigue causes sugar cravings that cause inflammation that further increase cortisol.
Many common chronic health problems are rooted in a chronically overactive stress response - or SOS - Survival Overdrive Syndrome as I call it, including many hormone and gyne problems, diabetes, chronic pain, heart disease - even dementia.
Understanding signs of high cortisol allows us to prevent - and reverse both the roots and the results. Here are some common signs that your stress response is in overdrive:
- Sleep issues- Cortisol follows a natural pattern daily, with levels highest in the morning that decrease throughout the day. When out of balance, it can mess with your sleep cycle
- Low energy- While stress can initially increase alertness, chronically high cortisol can lead to fatigue and constant tiredness
- Weight gain, especially around your middle- High levels of cortisol result in an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase that leads to belly fat storage
- Anxiety- Cortisol plays a significant role in the body's "fight or flight" response
- You're sick a lot- Prolonged cortisol elevation can suppress immune function, making you more susceptible to illnesses
- Digestive issues- High levels can slow down digestion and decrease blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to issues like bloating, constipation, or even IBS
- Craving sugar/carbs, fat, salt – or all of the above!- Cortisol has an intimate relationship with insulin and blood sugar, leading to a blood sugar roller coaster, causing cravings for quick fuel when blood sugar is low
- Memory & focus problems- Chronic stress can impair cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, focus, decision-making, and willpower
And here's another one you might not suspect is related: Perfectionism - which is a form of anxiety! I'm going to talk about this more soon (✋🏽 in the comments if you relate).
Need support getting out of survival mode? Head to the link for my article 10 Signs that Your Adrenals Are On Overdrive with resources on managing stress and overdrive. Some stress might be inevitable, but we can find healthy ways to manage it. And if overwhelm is your middle name, make sure to grab a copy of my book The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution.
Tag a friend who needs to hear this below and let me know what helps you get out of chronic stress mode!
https://avivaromm.com/10-signs-adrenals-overdrive/
