Adrenal Fatigue: Signs of High and Low Cortisol
While occasional stress is a natural part of life, prolonged and excessive stress can take a toll on our bodies, particularly on the adrenal glands. These small but mighty glands located on top of the kidneys play a crucial role in our stress response by producing hormones like cortisol.
When stress becomes chronic, it can take a toll on our body as it puts extra pressure on different systems and eventually, we start to notice more and more imbalances.
In the early stages of adrenal fatigue, our stress hormones surge on the high side. Over time it’s common to see hormone levels drop because the body can not maintain that high-output, long-term. This is where exhaustion really sets in and we see cortisol levels drop to the low side.
When I struggled with stage 3 burnout, my cortisol was LOW as were other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The impact trickles into other hormones and other areas of the body like our thyroid, immune system, gut, and more. There’s no area that chronic stress does not impact and how it shows up can vary from person to person.
Today I want to share a few common symptoms you’ll see when things are HIGH and also LOW.
Signs of High Cortisol Levels:
Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
Increased anxiety and irritability.
Elevated blood pressure.
Impaired cognitive function, such as memory problems.
Decreased libido and reproductive difficulties.
Persistent fatigue and lack of energy.
Irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Acne or skin problems.
Muscle weakness and increased susceptibility to injuries.
Signs of Low Cortisol Levels:
Chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
Low blood pressure and dizziness upon standing.
Weight loss and decreased appetite.
Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Muscle weakness and joint pain.
Depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
Digestive problems, such as nausea or abdominal pain.
Cravings for salty or sugary foods.
Low libido and reproductive difficulties.
Difficulty coping with stress and feeling overwhelmed.
These are just some examples. The good news is that this is super treatable and the sooner you take action to start calming your nervous system and balancing your body, the sooner you can get back to living a vibrant, peaceful, and impactful life!
I am here to support you if you need guidance on how to tackle this. Though hormones can feel complex and when you are tired this can all feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
