PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of Androgen leading to cyst formation in the ovaries. High Cortisol levels can trigger the symptoms of PCOS.
Most common symptoms are menstrual irregularity, mood swings, acne formation and obesity. “When our adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (and other stress hormones), they work overtime when we face stressful moments.
This can trigger a lot of these symptoms to happen at the same time. Not being able to do what it should on the inside, our bodies can feel drained which then affects how we perform and how we look on the outside,” wrote Dietitian Tallene Hacatoryan.
Too much Cortisol can lead to increased blood sugar and insulin resistance, leading to weight gain – this can further lead to stubborn belly fat.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, in little amounts can keep us alert and focused, but more than that can make us feel stressed and negative.
Anxiety is a common symptom in people with PCOS. Drinking caffeine and intense exercises can increase Cortisol levels in the body.
Cortisol can trigger the adrenal system to go into fight or flight mode. This can make us lose sleep and feel exhausted.
Cortisol is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. However, high levels of Cortisol can lead to insulin resistance.