11/04/2025
Cortisol and perimenopause...
Struggling with mood swings, belly weight gain, or restless sleep? It might be more than “just stress”—your cortisol (your main stress hormone) could be running the show. As estrogen drops in menopause, your body has less natural buffer against stress, so cortisol rises more easily, leaving you stuck in “fight or flight” for longer.
The result? More cravings, energy crashes, anxious thoughts, and stubborn weight—often around the middle.
Here are some simple steps to calm cortisol and feel better:
💨Take 5 slow, mindful belly breaths before a stressful event.
🙏🏼Make quiet time and prayer a part of your daily rhythm.
😴Prioritize sleep—try to keep regular sleep and wake times, and limit screens at night.
🚶🏻♀️Get moving daily—gentle walks or stretching are enough to reset stress.
🥦Fill your plate with whole foods, protein, and plenty of colorful veggies (fiber) to balance blood sugar.
😊Intentionally seek moments of joy: time in nature, gratitude journaling, or connecting with a friend.
Why does cortisol spike in menopause? As your hormones shift, your body loses some of its natural stress resilience—so daily stressors have a bigger impact than before. Supporting healthy cortisol helps you manage mood, weight, and sleep so you can thrive in midlife, not just survive.
You’ve got this—one simple step at a time!
🗨What is one simple step you can add to your day to reduce stress?
Have a tip to help others? Share what helps you. 👇
