– Menopause & Cortisol Connection
Experiencing perimenopause can be a challenging time for women, as it often brings about whacky hormonal changes, chronic stress, low energy and libido, lack of motivation, irritability, brain fog, and weight gain. A key player in these issues is cortisol, which becomes imbalanced during menopause and exacerbates symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between cortisol and menopause and provide helpful tips for managing stress and hormonal changes during this life stage.

– Menopause and Cortisol: A Complex Relationship

During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing stress on the body and adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. This hormonal imbalance intensifies menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, depression, and low sexual desire. Elevated cortisol levels create emotional stress, making it difficult for women to navigate their daily lives.

– Sleep Disruption and Menopause

Perimenopausal women often struggle with sleep due to fluctuating cortisol levels throughout the day. Progesterone, which helps with sleep, is produced in lower quantities by stressed adrenal glands, making a good night’s rest hard to come by.