Cortisol Imbalance: Causes and How to Fix Your Stress Hormone Levels

It's normal to get stressed, but that stress should ease after the trigger is gone. If it feels like you can't seem to catch a break and your stress levels aren't dropping, you might be experiencing chronic stress, which could be a red flag for something deeper. It may be a sign that you could have a cortisol imbalance. Both high and low levels of cortisol -- also known as the "stress hormone" -- can leave you dealing with symptoms that make you feel "off" and unlike yourself. The good news is that there are ways to better manage your stress levels. If you believe you have a cortisol imbalance or are generally concerned about your health, be sure to consult a doctor first so you can get the appropriate exams done. What is cortisol? Over- or under-functioning adrenal glands lead to symptoms of burnout. Wenjin Chen/Getty Images Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, says Melissa Groves Azzaro, a registered dietitian and author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS. The hormone is pr ... Read full article.