What Is Cortisol & How Does It Affects Us?

I share from my own healing journey—these posts are for me first, then if you relate, for you too. I’m simply walking in purpose and sharing what helps me heal and grow, in hopes it may encourage you to. 🌱✨ 

Cortisol is a hormone your body produces in response to stress. It’s made by your adrenal glands (small glands that sit on top of your kidneys) and plays a big role in how your body manages stress, energy, and balance.

Functions of Cortisol

• Stress response: Often called the "stress hormone," cortisol helps your body deal with challenges by triggering the "fight-or-flight" response.

• Metabolism: It helps regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.

• Inflammation control: Cortisol keeps inflammation in check, so your immune system doesn’t overreact.

• Blood sugar balance: It works with insulin to keep your blood sugar levels steady.

• Sleep/wake cycle: Cortisol is usually higher in the morning (to help you wake up and feel alert) and lower at night (so you can rest).

⚠️ When Cortisol is Too High (long-term stress)

• Anxiety, irritability

• Trouble sleeping

• Weight gain (especially around the belly)

• High blood pressure

• Weakened immune system

⚠️ When Cortisol is Too Low (adrenal issues)

• Fatigue, weakness

• Low blood pressure

• Difficulty handling stress

In short: cortisol is essential for survival, but when it’s out of balance—too high for too long, or too low—it can cause problems.

What Happens in Dysregulation

When someone is experiencing nervous system dysregulation:

• Cortisol release becomes irregular.
  Instead of following its normal rhythm (high in the morning, low at night), it may stay elevated or fluctuate chaotically.

• Chronic high cortisol can:

  • Keep the body in a state of hypervigilance (always “on edge”)

  • Increase inflammation in the body

  • Weaken digestion and immunity

  • Contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and pain sensitivity (common in conditions like fibromyalgia)

• Cortisol spikes feed into dysregulation:
  The body senses danger (real or perceived), releases cortisol, which keeps the nervous system activated. This creates a feedback loop where stress → cortisol → nervous system stuck in survival → more cortisol.

• Cortisol crashes (too low) may happen after long-term dysregulation:
  The adrenal system gets “tired” and can’t keep up, leaving the person drained, foggy, and unable to handle even small stressors.   

• Here's what you can start doing today 👇

Want the full Nervous System Repair Kit + Bonus Resources?
Fill out the contact form on the blog to receive a link to your copy and start practicing tools that support rest, balance, and healing. 🌱

👉 https://imattercommunity.blogspot.com