Stress causes our bodies to increase cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone and when we have chronic stress in our lives, cortisol levels become higher for longer.
Cortisol is not toxic at normal levels.
With increased chronic stress, cortisol levels become above normal. Elevated levels of cortisol allow the body to face a lifetime of health complications that reduce the quality of life. Elevated levels of cortisol have been connected not only to weight gain, type II diabetes, and heart disease but also to the following conditions:
Decreased muscle mass
Decreased bone density
Increased #anxiety
Increased depression symptoms, including mood swings, anger, and irritability
Reduced libido resulting from lowered testosterone and estrogen levels
Compromised immune response
Memory difficulties
Worsening #PMS symptoms
Magnification of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
Increased blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Elevated blood pressure leads to heart disease
Increased appetite and enhanced abdominal fat storage lead to obesity