Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone feels stressed out at some point. However, if you experience chronic stress and exhaustion that is impacting your daily life, that may be a sign that something deeper is going on. In some cases, that could involve a cortisol imbalance. Both high and low levels of cortisol — also known as the “stress hormone” — can leave you dealing with symptoms that make you feel unlike yourself. Fortunately, there are things you can do to check in on your body and better manage your cortisol levels. However, if you believe you have a cortisol imbalance or are generally concerned about your health, make sure to consult your doctor before making any changes.
Over- or under-functioning adrenal glands lead to symptoms of burnout. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, says Melissa Groves Azzaro, a registered dietitian and author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS. The hormone is produced in the adrenal glands in response to internal or external stressors. Most people know cortisol for its role in the “fight-or-flight” response, which is important, but cortisol actually plays many other roles in the body. In addition to curbing any body functions that are nonessential in a fight-or-flight scenario, cortisol also:
- Excess cortisol increases your heart rate, makes you more alert by increasing norepinephrine and increases your blood sugar
- Sugar and white refined flour foods can lead to elevated cortisol levels
- Resting is the best way to correct high or low cortisol