News — cortisol

Have you noticed subtle changes in your face that won’t seem to go away, no matter how much sleep or self-care you get? From puffiness to deep lines, these are often the signs of “cortisol face.” High cortisol levels, triggered by prolonged stress, can change your appearance, affecting everything from skin texture to facial fat distribution. You may think it’s just aging, but it can be your body’s response to long-term stress.  Cortisol face shares symptoms with other stress-related conditions like fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. When your body is constantly in survival mode, stress hormones flood your system, causing visible...

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can take a toll on your body and mind. You might feel overwhelmed and think it's just the way life is, but there are signs your body gives you when it's experiencing too much stress. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward healing and finding balance. The Cycle of Stress: How It Shows Up in Your Body               Excessive stress can manifest in a variety of ways, often mimicking other conditions. Some of the most common signs of too much...

Feeling like menopause and perimenopause have turned life into an emotional roller coaster? You’re not imagining things! These phases of life bring a range of symptoms that often overlap with those caused by high cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone in action).  So if you're experiencing fatigue, mood swings, sleep issues, weight gain, anxiety — it can feel like a never-ending cycle where stress from one makes the other worse. When estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate or decline, your body’s ability to regulate cortisol takes a hit, making even minor stress feel overwhelming. The result is a loop of...

If you find yourself doom-scrolling on social media until you physically can't keep your eyes open at night only to wake up with racing thoughts just 3 hours later, high cortisol levels could be the culprit. Cortisol, often dubbed the "stress hormone," plays a significant role in your body's response to stress. But when levels remain elevated, especially at night, it can lead to a host of sleep issues. This disruption is deeply connected to nervous system dysregulation, constant stress, and stored trauma, affecting not just your physical health but your mental well-being too. The Science Behind High Cortisol and...

You've probably heard the craze about cold plunges recently. And while research does show that cold plunges do have benefits to some, we strongly do not recommend cold plunges for others. 👇🏼 In the pursuit of wellness, many people turn to various practices, and one trend that has gained popularity is cold plunging. While the invigorating effects of submerging oneself in icy water are celebrated by certain folks, a closer look reveals that this practice may not be suitable for everyone, especially those living with chronic stress. In fact, cold plunging could potentially exacerbate the very issues it aims to alleviate. The Nervous...