Blog 3: How to “Bank” Cortisol and Protect Your Hormones in Midlife

One of the best lessons I’ve learned recently: your adrenals need recovery time. You can’t spend more cortisol than you make.

Understanding Adrenal Health

Here’s how to bank cortisol and protect your hormones:

1. Sleep is non-negotiable. I crave sleep more than a glass of red wine these days (and wine actually spikes cortisol, so it’s not a fair trade!).

2. Respect recovery. Push yourself too hard at work or the gym, and your adrenals push back with fatigue, belly fat, and insomnia.

3. Balance nutrition. Whole, unprocessed food and healthy fats support hormone production. Cholesterol is the backbone of progesterone, cortisol, and estrogen — which is why driving LDL too low with statins can actually disrupt hormone health.

4. Watch for red flags. Afternoon crashes, salt cravings, recurrent infections, and brain fog may point to adrenal issues.

5. Support naturally. Yoga, meditation, breath work, and adaptogens (like ashwagandha) can all help. Sometimes medical treatment is needed, but often lifestyle shifts move the needle.

   
   

The Connection Between Menopause and Adrenal Health

Midlife women often ask me: “Is this menopause, or is this something else?” My answer: It’s usually both. Menopause changes your baseline, but adrenal dysfunction magnifies it. The good news? With the right care, we can support both.

The Importance of Self-Care

Taking care of ourselves during this transition is crucial. We deserve to feel our best. Prioritizing self-care can make a significant difference. Here are some gentle reminders:

• Listen to your body. It knows what it needs. If you're feeling tired, allow yourself to rest.

• Stay hydrated. Water is essential for overall health and can help alleviate some symptoms.

• Connect with others. Sharing experiences with friends or support groups can be incredibly healing.

  
  

Exploring Treatment Options

If you’re struggling, consider exploring various treatment options. This might include:

• Hormone therapy. For some, this can provide relief from severe symptoms.

• Natural supplements. Many women find relief with herbal remedies and vitamins.

• Therapeutic practices. Techniques like acupuncture or chiropractic care may also help.

  
  

✨ This wraps up my first adrenal-focused blog series, but it’s just the beginning. I’ll continue to share what I’m learning through my personalized medicine training this fall — and how it can transform menopause care. Stay tuned!

Moving Forward

As we navigate this journey together, remember that you are not alone. There is a wealth of resources available to support you. Embrace this time as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

With the right guidance, we can all find balance and harmony in our lives. Let's continue to learn and support each other through this transformative phase.

---

By focusing on our adrenal health and understanding the changes that come with menopause, we can empower ourselves to take charge of our well-being. Together, we can create a community that thrives on compassion and knowledge.

---

For more information on personalized menopause care, visit Dragonfly Menopause Care.