As we all know, stress is a normal part of life for most of us. We spend a good portion of our days feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending list of tasks to do. Our minds are constantly running, and at times we just want to escape from the flow of thoughts and worries. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. But just because stress is common doesn’t mean it’s okay, especially when it comes to our health. Chronic stress can lead to high cortisol levels, which in turn can cause hormonal imbalance and affect our overall well-being.
When it comes to weight loss, especially for women over 40, dealing with the effects of chronic stress becomes even more challenging. Traditional diet advice doesn’t work, as successful weight loss is all about hormones, not calories. This leads us to the importance of understanding and controlling cortisol, a hormone that has a significant impact on our well-being.
Cortisol is referred to as the “stress hormone” and is produced in response to stress. In short-term situations, it helps regulate bodily functions and deal with stress responses. However, constant stress causes cortisol levels to remain elevated, leading to negative effects on health. This includes anxiety, depression, fatigue, weight gain, and other health issues. Elevated cortisol may also mask other hormone problems, making it crucial to get cortisol levels under control for overall hormonal balance and well-being.
Identifying the symptoms of high cortisol is a good starting point for understanding what’s happening in the body. Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain, especially around the midsection, are common signs of high cortisol levels. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to address cortisol levels for better overall health and well-being.
