How Chronic Stress Wreaks Havoc on Your Hormones (And What To Do About It)

Have you ever wondered how you can feel so anxious, exhausted, puffy, and emotional… even when you're doing everything “right”?
You're eating clean, working out (when you have the energy), and trying your best to stay on top of life—but your body still feels like it's fighting against you.

Let me lovingly break it to you:
Stress is probably the missing piece.

🚨 Stress Isn’t Just in Your Head

Chronic stress isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed or mentally burned out. It literally changes how your hormones function—and not in a good way.

Here’s what happens in your body:

• Cortisol, your main stress hormone, goes into overdrive.

• When cortisol stays high for too long, it starts stealing resources from your progesterone—hello mood swings, insomnia, and PMS.

• It also tanks your thyroid function, slowing down your metabolism and leaving you feeling tired, foggy, and gaining weight even when you’re eating clean.

• Chronic stress spikes insulin resistance, which can make PCOS symptoms worse and increase inflammation.

• And your body starts to prioritize survival, not fertility, energy, or digestion.

Bottom line: If stress is constant, your hormones don’t stand a chance.

The Signs Stress is Messing With Your Hormones

Let me guess—you’ve said one (or all) of these lately:

✅ “I’m exhausted but wired at night.”
✅ “I wake up at 3AM and can’t fall back asleep.”
✅ “My cycles are a mess.”
✅ “I’m gaining weight even though I barely eat.”
✅ “My anxiety is through the roof—and I don’t know why.”

Yep. That’s stress—and it’s not just emotional. It’s hormonal chaos.

How to Support Your Body Through Chronic Stress

First, take a breath. 🫶
You’re not broken. Your body is doing what it thinks it needs to do to keep you safe.

But we need to gently tell your system: Hey, it’s okay to chill.

Here’s how:

1. Nourish your adrenals

Eat breakfast with protein, fat, and fiber—within 90 minutes of waking. No fasting or coffee-first thing if your cortisol is already fried.

2. Stop glorifying hustle

Your body needs restorative movement (like walking, yoga, or stretching), not HIIT 6 days a week. You can’t out-cardio your hormones.

3. Start your wind-down early

Blue light, doom scrolling, and late-night to-do lists spike cortisol at the worst time. Create a gentle evening routine with tea, oils, or journaling.

4. Support with the right tools

Adaptogens, minerals, and essential oils can work with your body to reduce the stress burden. (Psst—my Vital Cycle 365 program walks you through exactly how to use them!)

You Don’t Have to Live in Survival Mode

This isn’t “just how life is.”
You deserve to feel energized, clear-headed, and like yourself again.
You don’t have to push through or figure it out alone.

If your stress is stealing your health—and your joy—let’s change that.

💛 Book a free 20-minute consult here to talk about whether one of my coaching packages is right for you.