High Cortisol vs Low Cortisol: Which Stress Pattern Are You Actually In?

In this episode of the Radiant Revolution Podcast, Kim dives deep into one of the most misunderstood hormone issues women face in perimenopause and menopause: cortisol dysregulation.Using her own recent experience navigating the stress of buying and selling a home, Kim breaks down how chronic stress impacts the body, why cortisol is not the enemy, and how different cortisol patterns can create completely different symptoms.She explains the difference between high cortisol and low cortisol patterns, how each one affects metabolism, weight, sleep, energy, mood, cravings, and recovery, and why so many women are unknowingly treating the wrong issue. Kim also shares why conventional medicine often misses cortisol dysfunction entirely and how functional testing can provide the missing answers.This episode is packed with practical education, symptom breakdowns, nervous system support strategies, and insight into how cortisol connects to insulin, estrogen, and thyroid health.What You’ll LearnWhat cortisol actually is and why your body needs itHow stress impacts hormones in perimenopause and menopauseThe connection between estrogen and cortisolThe difference between high cortisol and low cortisol patternsCommon symptoms of chronically elevated cortisolSigns your cortisol may actually be too lowWhy both cortisol patterns can cause fatigue, brain fog, and weight gainHow cortisol impacts belly fat, cravings, inflammation, and metabolismThe connection between cortisol and sleep disruptionWhy anxiety, puffiness, and sugar cravings are often hormone relatedHow cortisol dysregulation affects muscle mass and recoveryWhy conventional approaches often fail women with adrenal dysfunctionThe importance of nervous system regulationHow blood sugar stability directly impacts cortisolWhy cortisol must be viewed alongside insulin, estrogen, and thyroid healthHow DUTCH testing helps identify cortisol patterns more accuratelyConnect With KimInstagram @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kim.schaper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.m3metabolicmethod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠If this episode resonated with you and you’re struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hair loss, or “normal” labs that still don’t explain how you feel, Kim encourages you to reach out.