Ep. 658 Cortisol, Trauma, and the HPA Axis | Cortisol, Cortisol Testing, HPA Axis

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. In today’s episode, I answer listeners' questions about cortisol testing, trauma, and the HPA axis. Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How generalized stress-related dysregulation differs from clinical conditions involving cortisol excess or deficiency Why cortisol testing should be anchored to a person's actual sleep schedule rather than the clock Why a single random cortisol blood draw means almost nothing when assessing HPA axis function How cortisol can shift from an elevated response to a lower, blunted response as stress and trauma persist Why a low or flat cortisol curve in someone with trauma or PTSD does not automatically mean adrenal insufficiency How chronic stress can disrupt the negative feedback loop that keeps cortisol regulated The adaptogen with the strongest evidence for lowering morning cortisol How chronic psychological stress is associated with measurably lower ovarian reserve ** For more information about Cynthia's upcoming retreat, visit https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ and click the Events tab. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Cynthia’s website. Check out the Everyday Podcast on Instagram! www.instagram.com/everydaywellnesspodcast Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Submit your questions to [email protected]  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line