Dear Readers,
Hormones serve as vital chemical messengers that control numerous functions in our bodies, influencing vitality, wellbeing, strength, and longevity. Unfortunately, the demands of modern life often disrupt the normal functioning of our hormone systems. A diet centered around highly processed foods, a fast-paced lifestyle with minimal rest, societal praise for exhaustion in the pursuit of productivity, and sedentary jobs collectively contribute to the breakdown of these intricate and sensitive systems.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll provide quizzes to help you gauge the balance of specific hormone systems in your body. I’ll also offer suggestions to naturally rebalance these hormones, guiding you toward better health. These quizzes are adapted from Dr. Sara Gottfried’s work, a part of the Gottfried Protocol detailed in the “Hormone Cure” book.
Today’s quiz focuses on high cortisol levels. If none of these questions seem relevant to you, consider revisiting next week for a more fitting set of queries. Please answer these questions to the best of your ability and tally the number of “yes” responses at the end.
DO YOU HAVE OR HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS…
- A constant feeling of racing from one task to the next?
- Feeling wired yet tired?
- Struggles calming down before bedtime or experiencing a late-night surge of energy?
- Difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns?
- Anxiousness or nervousness, inability to stop worrying about uncontrollable things?
- Quickness to anger or frequent outbursts?
- Memory lapses or distraction, especially under pressure?
- Cravings for sugar, particularly chocolate after meals?
- Increased abdominal circumference (over 35 inches) or noticeable abdominal fat?
- Skin conditions like eczema or thinning skin?
- Bone loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis)?
- High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat?
- High blood sugar, prediabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, or shakiness between meals?
- Indigestion, ulcers, or GERD?
- Difficulty recovering from physical injuries?
- Unexplained pink to purple stretch marks on your belly or back?
Women Only:
- Irregular menstrual cycles?
- Decreased fertility?
If you answered “yes” to 3 or more of these questions, it’s likely that you’re experiencing high cortisol levels. For 5 or more “yes” responses, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gajer to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, serves a crucial function in responding to threats. However, persistent elevated cortisol levels over extended periods pose serious health risks, including accelerated aging, diabetes, obesity, depression, Alzheimer’s, MS, delayed wound healing, infertility, PCOS, insomnia, and bone loss.
If you’ve identified with at least 3-5 questions in this category, there are immediate steps you can take to initiate your recovery:
- Gradually reduce caffeine intake: Switch from coffee to tea or energy drinks to a lesser caffeinated option.
- Regular massages: Release accumulated stress from the body to facilitate your journey back to balance.
- Supplement with B vitamins and vitamin C: High cortisol levels often deplete crucial micronutrients such as B1, B5, B6, B12, and C, and supplements can aid in lowering cortisol levels.
For a comprehensive understanding of your levels and personalized guidance, consider booking a full hormone evaluation with Dr. Gajer.
