I recently listened to radio broadcast by the eminent DR Sara Godfried on the  relationship of hormones and the impact of these on our state of wellbeing.

One of the things that amazed me about this discussion was that it highlighted the importance of cortisol and how too much of this essential hormone can affect a persons wellbeing.

For those not to clued up on hormones – I’ve explained it in layman’s terms: Cortisol is an essential hormone that is released in response to stress. It’s primary functions are to increase blood sugar (through a process called gluconeogenesis), suppress the immune system; and aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also decreases bone formation. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of diseases. In other words too much Cortisol and your mind and body are in for a myriad of avoidable complications including fatigue, memory problems, insomnia and for most big stress career folks – weight gain.

High levels of cortisol are present when a person is under stress. If you can imagine, your body is  constantly in a state of arousal, in preparation for managing a threat.  Over time if there is no let up, then you start to feel fatigued, you may encounter memory problems, sleep disturbance, and relational difficulties. This  may then lead to other psychological problems, for example like depression and anxiety.

Whilst it is recognised that not all stress is unhealthy and it can motivate us toward change, however too much of anything may be detrimental to our health. Finding balance in a hectic world is even more important.

If you are on that treadmill and finding it difficult to hop off, or if you feel that your general well being is being affected by any of the above problems, please telephone or log on to our website here for further information about accessing the help you need.