The body's experience of stress is carefully mapped out by a series of hormone responses. Traditionally designed for a dangerous situation, the body releases bursts of the hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare for a “fight or flight” response. High levels of cortisol free up stored energy to help the body physically resist or flee from physical danger. However, that is less commonly the cause in modern society.

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Elevated Cortisol: 
In this day and age, everyday stress tends to be lower and of longer duration, leading to prolonged elevated cortisol, and symptoms like: 

• feeling tired but wired

• difficulty sleeping

• anxiety

• difficulty losing weight

• storing weight around your midsection

• elevated blood pressure

Excess cortisol also interferes with the action of other hormones (progesterone, testosterone and thyroid), creating more hormone imbalance and more symptoms.

Low Cortisol:
With continued stress, the adrenal glands may become depleted from producing too much cortisol or may reduce cortisol production significantly in response to the detrimental effects of high cortisol. Symptoms of low cortisol may include 

• fatigue (particularly morning fatigue)

• increased susceptibility to infection

• decreased recovery from exercise

• allergies

• low blood sugar

• depression 

• and low sex drive

Other adrenal hormones can be affected, particularly aldosterone and DHEA. Low aldosterone may result in reduced sodium and potassium levels. Symptoms of low DHEA are not well defined, although low DHEA is often associated with chronic illness and premature aging.