Beauty lives in balance and calm.
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) is produced in the adrenal cortex. Consistently elevated cortisol is known to influence how we look and feel, as well as long-term wellbeing. Disruptions in the rhythm of cortisol production can also point to imbalances in a number of other hormones.
- Cortisol has a significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism, raising blood glucose levels.
- It affects protein metabolism, reducing the flow of amino acids into cells and slowing muscle growth.
- It also affects fat metabolism and can raise insulin levels, which encourages fat storage.
When cortisol is persistently high, fat tends to be redistributed toward the face, neck and torso, while the limbs may stay slimmer. At the same time, small amounts of cortisol are essential for many metabolic processes — together with growth hormone, cortisol supports the breakdown of fat.
Cortisol is a vital hormone: within a normal range, it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Cortisol follows a circadian rhythm. Production is most active in the morning and gradually eases through the day — this is what helps us wake up feeling alert and energetic.
Signs that cortisol rhythm may be off include difficulty waking in the morning, low energy in the first half of the day, a burst of energy in the evening, and trouble sleeping.
Low cortisol can be just as disruptive, and is often associated with fatigue, dry skin, a sense of anxiety, and dark circles under the eyes.
Learning to manage stress is essential.
Signs often associated with elevated cortisol:
- anxiety, poor sleep, low libido
- features of metabolic syndrome
- reduced bone density (cortisol can lower calcium levels in the bones)
- weakened immunity
- signs of low thyroid function
- brain fog
- oily skin, acne
- flushing, warm skin, sweating
- a tendency to overeat
Common sources of stress on the body:
- poor or insufficient sleep
- too little protein, fat or carbohydrate in the diet
- excess simple carbohydrates
- overeating
- inflammation
- compromised gut barrier (“leaky gut”)
- environmental toxins
- cold and heat exposure
- seasonal and climate changes
- nighttime noise
- low mood and anxiety
- excessive alcohol
- smoking
- screens and light before bed (gadgets at night, sleeping with the TV on)
