Signs You May Have a Cortisol Imbalance

Cortisol is a hormone released by your adrenal glands that helps your body gear up for a challenge, regulates your blood sugar, and keeps inflammation in check. But too much or too little cortisol can throw your internal systems for a loop. Weight gain, anxiety, sleepless nights, and exhaustion are just a few problems that can arise from cortisol levels that are either too high or too low.

What Causes Cortisol Imbalances?

Stress

Your body has a fine-tuned stress response system: when a (real or perceived) threat pops up, your brain sounds the alarm and triggers a cascade of hormones—including cortisol. In the short term, you get a burst of energy, your senses are heightened, and you’re ready to tackle the situation.

But what if that stressor doesn’t go away? Maybe work is a constant pressure cooker, a relationship is on the rocks, or you’re simply wired to worry. When stress becomes chronic, your body remains in that heightened state.

At first, your cortisol levels remain sky-high—you’re always in “fight or flight” mode. However, over time, your exhausted adrenal glands can’t keep up, and your cortisol levels can begin to dip too low.

Exercise

Regular exercise is great for stress reduction. In moderation, it can help balance cortisol levels. However, overtraining can backfire and cause more problems. Intense, prolonged workouts—especially if you’re already stressed out or not getting enough sleep—may put additional stress on your body.

Nutrition

What you eat plays a big role in how your body manages cortisol. A diet heavy in sugary treats, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine can all contribute to the problem.

• Sugar creates a blood sugar “rollercoaster” that leads to spikes in cortisol followed by crashes.
• Alcohol disrupts sleep and ramps up inflammation, causing additional stress for your body.
• Caffeine, while giving you a temporary energy boost, can exacerbate existing cortisol imbalances.

Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance

The symptoms of imbalanced cortisol levels can be vague and often mimic other conditions, making it tricky to self-diagnose. However, paying attention to the following red flags may alert you to a potential imbalance.

Signs of High Cortisol

• Weight gain (particularly around the abdomen). Thanks to extra cortisol, your body clings onto extra fat—and, annoyingly, seems to favor depositing it right around your midsection.
• Anxiety and irritability. Cortisol keeps you on high alert. If you have too much cortisol, you might find yourself feeling jittery, always on edge, or snapping at minor inconveniences.
• Sleep difficulties. High levels of cortisol make it tough to fall asleep and can have you waking up in the middle of the night.
• Elevated blood sugar. Over time, chronically high cortisol can disrupt glucose metabolism, potentially leading to insulin resistance and even type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure. High cortisol levels contribute to high blood pressure, increasing your risk for serious health conditions.

Signs of Low Cortisol

• Persistent fatigue. This isn’t just “I need a nap” tiredness: it’s a deep weariness that no amount of sleep seems to fix. You may struggle with normal daily activities or lack the energy to do things you once enjoyed.
• Feeling “wired but tired.” Paradoxically, low cortisol can leave you feeling strangely restless yet exhausted. Your mind might race, even when your body yearns for sleep.
• Salt and sugar cravings. When cortisol is low, you may find yourself reaching for extra salty snacks or craving sweets. Your body is trying to compensate for imbalances in electrolytes and blood sugar.
• Memory and focus issues. Brain fog is a common complaint in those with low cortisol. You might have difficulty concentrating, find yourself forgetting things easily, or struggle with simple decision-making.

It’s important to note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of symptoms. Cortisol affects so many systems in the body that the possible symptoms are wide-ranging. Some people may also experience mental health symptoms such as depression or feelings of apathy.

“Cortisol steal” can also be detrimental to your hormone health. This occurs when the body prioritizes the production of cortisol over hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. In an effort to protect itself, the body intentionally “steals” these hormones to create more cortisol. This can cause a decrease in the levels of much-needed hormones.

If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself, don’t ignore them. A visit with your doctor can help determine if a cortisol imbalance is the root of your discomfort. They can order tests to determine if your cortisol levels are high, low, or fluctuating erratically.

How to Fix a Cortisol Imbalance

Identify the Cause

Before a solution can be determined, it’s crucial to get to the bottom of what’s causing your cortisol imbalance. Consider what factors might be contributing to your stress load. A demanding job? A strained relationship? Financial worries? Pinpointing the source is the first step to finding effective solutions.

Prioritize Rest

Rest might not sound like a groundbreaking solution, but the fact remains that it’s absolutely vital to your health. Your body needs time to recharge and reset its cortisol levels. This means getting enough quality sleep, as well as incorporating shorter restful moments throughout the day. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, a walk in nature, or reading a good book, allow yourself pauses to de-stress.

Assess & Reduce Stressors

Make a list of all the things in your life causing you stress. Some stressors may be unavoidable, but many can be minimized or managed with proactive steps. Could delegating tasks at work help? Can you have a conversation about a difficult relationship? Brainstorm solutions, big or small, to address each stressor on your list.

Supplements to Support Your Cortisol Levels

While supplements shouldn’t replace addressing the root causes of your cortisol imbalance, they can provide support for your adrenal glands and help tame stress levels. Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding carries several options, including:

• Cornerstone Pharmacy Adrenal Health – This blend of B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals supports healthy cortisol levels and your body’s overall stress response.
• Pure Encapsulations Relora – This plant-based supplement helps manage stress-related eating, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you take other medications.

Contact Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding for Help with Your Cortisol

Don’t hesitate to contact Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding to learn more about cortisol and what you can do to improve your health. Our personalized approach for balancing your cortisol includes hormone consultations so you can begin the journey toward feeling like yourself again.