Cortisol and Weight Loss with PCOS - Module 5

Cortisol and Its Impact on Stress and Weight

1. Cortisol Production and Function

   • Cortisol is produced in response to both good and bad stress.
   • Levels are highest in the morning and taper off throughout the day.
   • High cortisol can make it difficult to sleep.
   • Produced by the adrenal glands (located above each kidney), which also make adrenaline, epinephrine, and DHEA-S.
   • Cortisol acts quickly, making you alert and responsive, but it also plays a role in long-term stress responses.

2. Effects of Excess Cortisol

   • Increases blood sugar and inflammatory markers, making long-term weight loss difficult.
   • Can impair digestion and encourage fat storage in the abdominal area.
   • Prolonged high cortisol levels harm the brain, triggering the production of DHEA-S to protect it.
   • Elevated DHEA-S affects multiple systems and can worsen symptoms like hair growth and weight gain.

3. Cortisol and PCOS

   • Women with PCOS tend to have higher cortisol levels.
   • Traditional weight loss methods (cutting calories and intense exercise) are less effective, as the body stores calories under stress.

4. Effective Strategies for Managing Stress and Cortisol

   • Incorporate stress management techniques such as breathwork, baths, walks, therapy, yoga, and supplements.
   • Focus on gradual lifestyle changes to reduce cortisol and improve weight management.

Managing stress is essential for balancing cortisol levels, which can improve symptoms and support sustainable weight loss for women with PCOS.