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 discomfort, hormonal imbalances, and amplified stress that’s hard to escape.
The Connection Between Menopause / Perimenopause And High Cortisol
Let’s break it down. Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands whenever you face physical or emotional stress. Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels rise in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day. But when stress becomes lasts for years or decades — or when hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause come into play — this rhythm can get out of sync.
Usually, estrogen and progesterone help buffer the stress response and keep cortisol levels in check. But as estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body becomes more sensitive to stress, causing cortisol levels to rise more easily. This increase can amplify menopausal symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain. Beyond just mood and energy, high cortisol can also contribute to insomnia, increased belly fat, and even bone loss — all of which are already concerns during menopause.
How To Manage The Symptoms Of High Cortisol, Perimenopause, and Menopause
Keeping your cortisol levels balanced can play a big role in reducing the intensity of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. One highly effective method? Somatic exercises. These exercises promote relaxation, release physical tension, and most importantly, regulate cortisol, reduce stress, and relieve menopausal symptoms.
By incorporating somatic exercises into your routine, you can restore hormonal balance, improve your overall well-being, and relieve your perimenopause / menopause symptoms. If you don’t take steps to manage your cortisol, the cycle of discomfort will continue. Stress will worsen, and menopausal symptoms will feel even harder to manage. But with the right tools, you can avoid that and regain control.
Do you want to balance your hormones and ease the symptoms of high cortisol and menopause?
Click here to try the "Release Stress & Stored Trauma" 30-day course