When our hormones are imbalanced, we suffer emotionally and physically. These potent compounds regulate almost all bodily processes, so we can have system-wide symptoms when they are not ideal. Furthermore, when even one hormone tips unfavorably, all the others are affected too. This adds to the impact.
Stress is one of the most universal factors that can lead to this hormonal havoc. When any form of stress occurs, physiological or psychological, our survival takes precedence over rest, rejuvenation, and/or reproduction.
At this critical time stamp, cortisol hijacks our other hormones. This is known as the “the progesterone steal,” because our body is making cortisol at the expense of this key player in hormonal harmony.
Understanding about progesterone is important to see how a hit on this one hormone can lead to a variety of bodily symptoms. This is why I previously took the time to highlight progesterone and spell out exactly what can happen when it becomes dysregulated. I also reviewed testing, treatment, and naturopathic and functional medicine approaches to optimize progesterone and hormone balance.
With an understanding of all the chaos one hormone being out of sync can cause, I thought you’d benefit with more knowledge on the one that creates a lot of the mischief. In my latest post and video, I outline more details about cortisol. *
I also briefly describe how cortisol interacts with another one of our powerful hormones, melatonin. These two chemical messengers work together to balance a state of high alert and peaceful slumber for recovery.
Topics in this article and video include:
- The balance between stress and slumber
- What cortisol is
- The physiological effects of cortisol
- How cortisol works in the body
- How cortisol output is halted
- The relationship between cortisol and melatonin
- Normal cortisol levels
- How to test for cortisol
- How to balance cortisol naturally with naturopathic and functional medicine (e.g., incorporating lifestyle factors, supplements, essential oils, and herbs)
With this information, you can aid in modulating your stress response which will favorably influence all your hormones. As a result, your mind and many of your body systems will benefit.
Click here to learn more.
*This post is based on my publication on Rupa Health. I have broken it down into two parts and added some additional information in the summaries. The full version also contains some material that isn’t covered in the series. So, if you’re wanting to master the cortisol-melatonin link, you’ll likely wish to review them both.
Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Resources for Hormonal, Mood, and Digestive Support
- Free resources and more education on essential oils and mind-body wellness are available to you here.
- Tools for coping with isolation and separation.
- An Integrative Mental Health and Stress Resource Guide.
- My free online essential oils database.
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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
