Cortisol Is Your Friend, M'kay?

TL; DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

I can’t with these influencers online.

I just. Cannot.

WHY

Oh, how my eyes roll to the back of my head, perforating my prefrontal cortex every time I see a GD influencer online talking about making sure you–gasp!–NEVER, EVER elevate your cortisol levels.

Do you know what happens when your cortisol is chronically too low?

• Autoimmunity
• Low blood pressure (which can be fatal)
• Low blood glucose (that can be fatal)
• Low blood sodium (also fatal)
• Excess potassium (again…also fatal)
• Extreme muscle pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting or dizziness when standing or going from seated to standing

For the love of hormones, can we stop listening to people online who preach this crap?

And can we all stop being scared of the hormones we ENDOGENOUSLY produce? Why have we been taught to fear the very hormones that originate within and are produced by… our own bodies?

I cannot stand when people who have no concept of transient adaptations, which are simply short-term adjustments that organisms make in response to environmental changes or flux, turn their camera phone on selfie mode and start preaching how X mechanism in isolation is terrible without regard for the entire organism or picture.

GAH!

(I’m also in my late luteal phase currently, so this is Stephanie who is showing up. The one who will tell you what’s what and has zero tolerance for nonsense.)

WHAT

Cortisol is a counter-regulatory hormone.

Counter-regulatory hormones are a group of hormones, including glucagon, cortisol, catecholamines, vasopressin, and growth hormone, that work in opposition to insulin to maintain fuel supplies in the body, such as fatty acids, ketones, and glucose, especially in the fasted state.

These hormones work to keep fuel sources in the bloodstream for use by the brain and the musculoskeletal system.

When you sleep, your cells don’t starve to death because they have a supply of glucose and fatty acids courtesy of your best friend, cortisol (and her hormone crew mentioned above).

When you’re doing leg day, your muscles need fuel to complete the set, or they are getting close to muscle failure… you guessed it… cortisol and friends are there to support you. They ensure you have adequate fuel and are in the right nervous system state to get the job done.

So, should you stop sleeping? Or stop exercising?

Obviously, these are ridiculous questions, but this is the extreme to which influencers like to peddle their rudimentary understanding of human physiology and fearmonger in the process.

What matters, of course, is CONTEXT.

If you’re chronically stressed, let me be the first to tell you that it isn’t the resistance training that is doing you in. It’s more likely:

• Lack of setting boundaries
• Lack of understanding of your emotional landscape and triggers
• Residue from maltreatment in the past
• Terrible habits like scrolling social media for cheap, low-quality dopamine hits
• Lack of pride or self-worth
• Making and breaking habits you know you should be doing

Well, here’s the good and bad news: ALL of it is your responsibility.

This means you have the ability to decide what the outcome is. Recognize where you can level up and develop reverence, immense respect, and awe for the Queen you are.

Because you are, indeed, a Queen. (You know that, right?)

Of course, the alternative is to continue what you’re doing without changing.

All love for whichever path you choose, but you don’t get to blame your hormones–the ones that quite literally keep you alive, strong, and nimble–for the beliefs and behaviors you’ve left unattended.

And for the love of the endocrine system, if someone spends their entire platform bemoaning a particular hormone and then–magically!–has some new “proprietary” blend supplement to offer you, just don’t.

Please, just don’t.

You're better than that.

You know this isn’t a quick fix.

You know the results are embedded in the work you’re avoiding.

(And for the record, this is just as much for me as it is for you. I’m constantly looking at how I can shed old stories, schemas, and states of mind that no longer serve me. Perhaps at one point they were useful, but now they just hold me back).

HOW

Learn how to profit from the benefits of cortisol while also developing some habits that help you to unwind and press pause… even if it is a Mini Pause 😉.

Make a list of five things you love to do. Big or small. Here are a few of mine for inspo and idea-sparking:

• Pickleball
• Ping Pong
• Walking after lunch
• Having a morning cappuccino while doing my Duolingo lessons
• Cross-country skiing
• Turning on the fireplace in the morning
• Sitting in my sauna
• Doing a loving skincare routine at night
• Giving myself a pedicure or getting one at a salon
• Having a piece of my favorite chocolate bar with hazelnuts
• Reading side-by-side with my son in the evening
• Feeding my sourdough starter

NOW

Cortisol isn’t your enemy.

Cortisol serves an important purpose in your body, and you likely don’t need the latest cortisol-lowering drink mix to manage any spikes you experience.

It’s time for you to listen to your body and realize it’s talking to you from a systems perspective. And while yes, you may feel a sensation, pain, or issue on its own, that’s indicative of something going on in your whole body system that only you can take steps to manage.

What I Recommend

🥵 Hot flashing? Feeling stressed? Cool down or warm up with the Embr’s thermal waves. Use code DRSTEPHANIE to receive a special discount on this chic wearable device.

🤩 Ready for a winter glow-up? I love the soft color kiss and deep skin nourishment of The Golden Secrets Aphrodisiac Oil. Use code DRSTEPHANIE to get 10% off.

😱 Notice hair thinning? Scalp Tonic by Living Libations is my go-to. These bioactive botanical ingredients work! Check out the entire hair care line. This link applies an automatic discount.

🍏 Getting enough collagen? Health Nag created a unique jelly form with higher bioavailability and tastes delightfully like green apples. Your skin, joints, and gut will thank you. Check it out and use code DRSTEPHANIE to get 10% off.

Health Optimisation Summit Comes to Austin

It’s official! I’m speaking at the Health Optimisation Summit in Austin, Texas! I'll be talking about perimenopausal strategies like muscle, meals, and stress management.

Europe’s biggest health event lands in Austin on April 12-13.

You'll hear game-changing health insights from nearly 40 industry-leading experts covering topics from biohacking and nutrition to functional and preventative medicine.

Spend two full days at the Palmer Events Center surrounded by Paleo-inspired wisdom, innovative health tech, and a community that feels like family.

If you purchase your ticket now and use code DRSTEPHANIE, you'll save 10% on VIP or General Admission.

EVEN BETTER! Premium Membership

DON'T MISS OUT! Join other like-minded Bettys in a community where you can get exclusive access and resources.

• Early and ad-free weekly BETTER! podcasts.
• Post-podcast commentary.
• Insights from the guest discussions coupled with recommendations you can use to build habits and routines that support your goals.
• “Ask Me Anything” episodes.
• “Dr. Stephanie SOLO” shows.
• Bonus content.
• Exclusive discounts on favorite brands.

Subscribe HERE to find a membership option that fits your budget.