Stress! What Does it Actually Mean and How Can We Lessen its Impact?

Cortisol. It’s one of those words that always comes up when we talk about stress—and for good reason. With so many of us feeling the strain of daily life, cortisol levels are often out of whack, impacting everything from energy to mood.

In the sections that follow, we’ll break down what cortisol is, why it matters, and how keeping it balanced can make a real difference in how you feel day to day.

What Is Cortisol?

Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it’s released in response to stress. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol ideally follows a balanced rhythm, peaking in the morning and gradually decreasing throughout the day. This pattern helps us wake up feeling alert and wind down for restful sleep in the evening.

The regulation of this stress response is managed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex communication network between your brain and adrenal glands. When this system is disrupted, our stress hormones can spike or drop at unusual times, throwing off the body’s natural rhythm.

What Causes Imbalance?

Many factors can disrupt cortisol levels. The most common cause? Stress. Both mental and emotional stress, such as worries about work or family, can elevate cortisol. Physical stress, like illness or excessive exercise, can also create a hormone imbalance.

Even a lack of sleep and prolonged periods of high activity can lead to chronically elevated cortisol. This is why chronic stress has such a significant impact on health—when cortisol levels are constantly elevated, the body struggles to regulate itself.

Signs of High Cortisol Levels

Many symptoms overlap with general stress, but some specific indicators include:

• Low energy levels
• Weight gain or fluid retention
• Mood swings and sleep disturbances
• Frequent illness due to a weakened immune system
• Aches, pains, and inflammation in the body

Since this stress hormone is pro-inflammatory, high levels can create widespread inflammation that affects multiple body systems.

Managing Stress: Treatment Options

Treating hormone imbalances requires a personalized approach. Lifestyle changes are usually the first line of treatment. Identifying areas where stress can be minimized—whether it’s adjusting exercise routines or finding more balance in daily life—can make a big difference.

It’s also important to find the right balance with exercise, as overdoing it can raise stress hormone levels, even though regular activity generally helps reduce stress. Along with balanced exercise, nutrition, and targeted supplements play a key role. Adaptogenic herbs, for instance, are known to support the body’s stress response and help keep hormone levels in check.

Testing for Cortisol Levels

To get a clear picture of hormone patterns, saliva testing is often the gold standard. Some practitioners also use the Dutch test, which provides comprehensive data on cortisol levels throughout the day. Blood tests are sometimes used, but saliva testing remains one of the most reliable methods for tracking daily fluctuations. Understanding each person’s unique cortisol pattern allows for a more tailored approach to treatment.

Balancing Stress for a Healthier You

Cortisol may be your body’s primary stress hormone, but understanding it can empower you to take control of your health. By managing stress and adopting targeted lifestyle changes, you can help maintain a healthy balance, benefiting your energy levels and overall well-being.

If you think a hormone imbalance might be affecting your health, reach out to Flora Naturopathics. We can guide you through testing and provide personalized treatment options to support your well-being.