Cortisol always gets a bad reputation online, but here's the thing: it's not the villain. It's actually essential for your stress response, blood sugar, sleep-wake cycle, and even keeping inflammation in check. The problem isn't cortisol itself. It's what happens when it stays chronically elevated, and your body starts sending signals you've probably been brushing off as "just stress" or "just getting older." In this solo episode, I'll walk you through the five warning signs of chronic high cortisol that most women don't connect to stress at all, including one that directly links to your blood sugar and why that matters more than you think. If you're a woman in midlife and have a gut feel that your cortisol levels are elevated, this episode is exactly where to start. What's Discussed: (0:49) The five warning signs of chronic high cortisol (2:34) Why your weight and face shape might be changing (3:35) The cortisol-insomnia connection most women miss (4:40) Hair loss and the stress delay nobody warns you about (7:23) How cortisol is quietly affecting your blood sugar ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: drcarriejones.com/myths Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: https://www.drcarriejones.com/hormones101 The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://www.drcarriejones.com/labs The 101 on Stress, Cortisol And Your Nervous System Ebook: https://www.drcarriejones.com/stressfreebie Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://www.drcarriejones.com/stages Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: drcarriejones.comNewsletter: drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejonesFacebook: @drcarriejonesTikTok: @drcarriejonesYouTube: @drcarriejonesPinterest: @drcarriejones Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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