Call Today (248) 961-0229

Plymouth, MI 48170

Call Today (248) 961-0229

Plymouth, MI 48170

Mom Burnout? This Might Be Why You're Feeling Exhausted

Dear Moms,

Motherhood brings incredible joy and equally incredible demands. We often juggle so much that “taking care of ourselves” falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But what if all the challenges you face – weight loss struggles, fatigue, irregular periods, and more – have hidden connections to stress?

Understanding the Villain: Cortisol

Cortisol is our “fight-or-flight” hormone, meant for short bursts of survival. But when stress is constant, cortisol stays high, leading to HPA axis dysfunction. This is where your brain mismanages the stress response.

How Cortisol Impacts Women's Health

  • Fertility Struggles: High cortisol disrupts delicate hormone balances, hindering ovulation and making conception difficult.
  • Irregular Periods: Cortisol throws other hormones off-kilter, causing missed, late, or overly heavy periods.
  • Thyroid Troubles: Chronic stress burdens the thyroid, contributing to hypothyroidism (low function), which slows metabolism and affects energy levels.
  • Weight Loss Resistance: Despite your best efforts, high cortisol signals the body to store fat, particularly around the belly.
  • Insulin Resistance: This cortisol-driven issue makes using blood sugar for energy difficult, leading to cravings, higher diabetes risk, and further weight challenges.
  • Low Immunity: High cortisol dampens your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, infections, and chronic illness.
  • Chronic Fatigue: It’s more than just exhaustion – the constant struggle with stress hormones leaves you depleted, with little energy for things you love.

What Functional Medicine Offers

Instead of treating each symptom separately, functional medicine digs deeper. We look at:

  • Root Causes: Understanding your stressors (work, relationships, nutrition, etc.) is vital for addressing HPA axis dysfunction.
  • Lab Testing: Salivary cortisol tests give a clearer picture than simple blood draws, revealing your true stress patterns throughout the day. We have the state of the art salivary testing for cortisol as well as all other hormones. Contact us to get tested if you suspect your cortisol is out of whack!
  • Personalized Solutions: Lifestyle changes, targeted nutrients, stress management practices, and deeper investigations into gut health and nutrient deficiencies are key.

Mother's Day Promise

Moms, you deserve to feel your best. If you struggle with stubborn health issues, it might be time for a different approach. Let’s explore whether chronic stress could be the missing link.