Understanding Cortisol: The Stress Hormone and Its Impact on Your Health

Have you been having trouble falling asleep? Feeling wired, but not tired? Many people struggle with sleep issues and assume melatonin supplements will help, but long-term solutions often require addressing a deeper issue—cortisol imbalance.

Cortisol is known as the body’s main stress hormone. Produced in the adrenal glands, it plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar, metabolism, memory, and inflammation. It also helps trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response in stressful situations. However, when cortisol levels are too high or too low for extended periods, it can lead to significant health issues.

Many people are so used to stress that they don’t even recognize it. If your body has been in a state of chronic stress for too long, you might notice these symptoms:

When cortisol is too high, it can lead to unexpected symptoms such as:

If your cortisol is too low, you might experience:

Interestingly, both high and low cortisol levels can feel similar in the body. Many people experiencing stress-related fatigue think they just need more coffee. However, caffeine can actually make cortisol imbalances worse by overstimulating the adrenal glands and depleting energy reserves over time.

If you suspect your cortisol is out of balance, the first step is to assess your stress levels and daily habits. Here are some strategies to help regulate your body’s stress response:

1. Identify New Habits – What small change can you introduce to reduce stress? This could be meditation, a short walk, or reducing caffeine intake.

2. Stimulate the Vagus Nerve – The vagus nerve plays a key role in calming the nervous system. Practices like deep breathing, humming, and cold exposure can activate this nerve.

3. Conscious Breathing Exercise – Try this simple breathing technique:

The best way to get a clear picture of your cortisol health is through hormone testing. The Dutch Test is highly effective for assessing your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls cortisol production and affects almost every system in your body. If you are waking up between 2-5 a.m. regularly, struggling with fatigue, or feeling “wired but tired,” your cortisol may be out of range.

Living with chronic stress doesn’t have to be your normal. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, your body might be stuck in fight-or-flight mode. The good news is that you can take steps to balance your cortisol and improve your sleep, energy, and overall well-being.

If you need help understanding your cortisol levels and finding solutions that work for you, I’m here to guide you. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward feeling your best!