Feel like you’re perpetually tired, struggling to lose weight no matter how hard you work, or losing hair in clumps? There’s a good chance your adrenal glands are distressed, and you’re not alone. Whether you’re a busy mom or boss, keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about cortisol levels, adrenal fatigue, and stress management!
What is Cortisol?
The adrenal glands, sitting atop the kidneys, produce the hormone known as cortisol. It acts as an alarm system for the body, releasing both adrenaline and cortisol during times of serious stress (like running from a tiger, or more likely, braving your overflowing inbox).
This reaction is the body’s “fight or flight” response. It’s very useful in acute situations, but when stress transitions into something long-term – be it due to trauma, lack of sleep, ongoing work demands, or an overloaded parenting role – things can go south and throw your cortisol curve out of balance.
The Cortisol Roller Coaster: Highs, Lows & Crashes
The cortisol in your body should naturally increase 30−60 minutes prior to waking and decrease throughout the day. This is not the case for many people. That curve is wonky. You may feel the urge to sleep at night but alert during the day. This cortisol and stress dysregulation can be labeled a variety of things, from HPA Axis Dysfunction to adrenal fatigue to cortisol imbalance. Do any of the following symptoms ring a bell?
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Hair thinning/loss
- Chronic insomnia
- Persistent fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Bodily weight increase (specifically abdominal fat)
- Hormonal imbalance (estrogen dominance, heavy periods)
DHEA: The Unsung Hero of Hormonal Health
In addition to cortisol, your adrenal glands also produce DHEA, a hormone that converts into testosterone or estrogen. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels will wipe out DHEA, leaving your hormone levels depleted. DHEA imbalances can lead to low sex drive, weight gain, and other side effects of hormonal imbalances, such as brain fog, sluggishness, and decreased energy levels (especially in post-menopausal women).
Hold off on grabbing DHEA supplements right away. Prolonged consumption may lead to adverse effects. Always test first, and use supplements in the short term and only under professional guidance.
Hormone Testing, Not Guessing
If you visit a regular physician, they will usually test for cortisol only once and typically in the early morning. However, that single measurement does not provide a complete picture. What’s really needed is multi-point testing (either via saliva or urine, like a Dutch Test) to chart your cortisol levels throughout the day. These tests can uncover problems that a single blood sample cannot detect. You can't use a DIY approach, though—you need to see a specialist who can analyze the results and develop a suitable action plan.
How to Support Your Adrenals
Here's the positive news—your adrenal health can recover. Your adrenal glands have significant resilience, but healing requires time along with the proper, specific support.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Movement: Gentle exercises such as walking or yoga are best when energy levels are depleted.
- Sleep: Strive to get 7–9 hours of quality sleep.
- Nutrition: Eliminate junk food and processed foods. People should focus on nutrient-dense whole foods.
- Emotional Health: Engaging in journal writing, therapy, or verbal expression is all very important.
- Self-care: This is for busy mothers and multitaskers—find time to rest!
Supplement Support:
Adaptogenic substances such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil can help offset stress.
- Stress Essentials: A well-balanced blend designed for everyday use.
- AdrenaCalm: For those who suffer from racing thoughts and elevated cortisol at night.
- Adrenal Extract Essentials: Should only be used when fully evaluated and tested.
A word of caution: High cortisol levels can feel like fatigue. Don't make guesses. Taking the wrong supplement, like adrenal glandulars with already high cortisol levels, will only worsen the situation.
Cortisol and Stress: Why All This Matters
Cortisol's influence goes beyond stress. It’s central to thyroid function, hormone equilibrium, weight management, and mental health. For women, it’s often the background struggle and doesn’t respond to simple adjustments of thyroid hormones or hormone replacement therapy. Consider it the primary power source—without it, everything else is obstructed.
Learning to live with high cortisol and stress does not have to be the norm. Everything might feel out of control, but change is possible with precise diagnosis, the right strategy, and expert guidance. Learn more about adrenal hormone testing and let us help you get started today!
