Ever feel like stress is taking over your life? That’s cortisol at work—your body’s main stress hormone. While cortisol is helpful in small amounts, elevated levels can leave you feeling fatigued, stressed, and struggling with sleep.
For women, especially those in or approaching menopause, hormonal shifts can make cortisol even trickier to manage. This can lead to higher stress, trouble sleeping, and even weight gain.
Keep reading to learn more about cortisol and what you can do to help manage it naturally.
How cortisol affects women during menopause
Menopause causes hormonal fluctuations that make it difficult to balance cortisol. This can result in increased stress, trouble sleeping, and unwanted weight gain.
Understanding cortisol’s role during this phase is essential. With the right strategies, women can ease these menopause-related symptoms and feel more in control of their well-being.
The truth about “Cortisol Face”
You’ve probably heard of “cortisol face” trending on TikTok. It refers to puffiness caused by stress. But instead of a quick fix, lowering cortisol requires a focus on long-term stress management, not just skincare products.
Ashwagandha: Your natural stress ally
Ashwagandha, an ancient adaptogen used for centuries, has been shown in research to help lower cortisol and combat stress. It’s particularly beneficial for women navigating menopause, as it can help regulate cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm.
FOCL’s Night Stack combines ashwagandha with magnesium glycinate to help reduce cortisol levels*, along with a slew of other sleep-supporting benefits.
4 simple ways to manage cortisol
- Get good sleep: Prioritize quality rest to keep cortisol in check.
- Use ashwagandha: FOCL’s Night Stack provides natural cortisol support with ashwagandha and magnesium.
- Incorporate mindfulness: Practices like yoga and meditation can lower stress levels.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity, especially weight lifting, is an effective way to help balance cortisol and alleviate stress.
Understanding cortisol and your health
Learning how cortisol affects your body, especially during menopause, is crucial for managing stress. Incorporating ashwagandha and building healthy habits can help you balance cortisol and enhance your overall well-being.
Sources:
Cloyd, Jaime. "Cortisol & Its Impact on Menopause." Rupa Health 3 June 2024.
Lam, J. "TikTok Is Obsessed With ‘Balancing’ Cortisol Levels—Here’s What That Really Means." Women’s Health, 20 Mar. 2023.
National Institutes of Health. "Ashwagandha and Cortisol Studies." NIH,
