Cortisol gets a bad reputation, but it’s not the enemy. In fact, it’s essential for our survival. It helps you wake up in the morning, respond to stress, regulate blood sugar, and keep inflammation in check. The issue is when cortisol stays elevated for too long, usually because of chronic stress.
Dr. Corey Howard is board-certified in internal medicine and functional medicine. He has worked with many men who feel like something is off but can’t quite put their finger on it.
Often, cortisol is part of the story, and so is testosterone. These hormones work together, and when one shifts, the other often follows. Learn more about how cortisol impacts your body and what we can do about it at Howard Health & Wellness in Naples, Florida.
How High Cortisol Impacts Men
Chronically elevated cortisol can quietly disrupt nearly every system in your body. Here are some of the most common ways high cortisol impacts men’s health:
- Increases belly fat: Triggers fat storage around the midsection
- Suppresses testosterone: Contributes to low libido, fatigue, and reduced motivation
- Disrupts sleep: Makes it harder to fall or stay asleep, leading to poor recovery and brain fog
- Breaks down muscle: Slows muscle growth and increases post-workout soreness
- Raises blood sugar: Leads to more cravings, energy crashes, and insulin resistance
- Impacts mood and focus: Can cause irritability, anxiety, and trouble concentrating
How to Bring Cortisol Back Into Balance
You don’t need to eliminate stress to feel better; you just need to improve how your body handles it. Here’s where to start:
- Get consistent, high-quality sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours per night.
- Move daily, but don’t overtrain: Try light strength training, walking, and mobility work.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: These can spike cortisol levels.
- Eat real food regularly: Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep blood sugar stable.
- Manage mental stress: Breathwork, mindfulness, or time outside can help regulate your nervous system.
- Consider testosterone therapy when appropriate: Chronic stress can suppress testosterone production, and low testosterone makes it harder to manage stress, energy, and metabolism. Restoring healthy levels may help rebalance your system.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’ve been feeling depleted, gaining weight despite your efforts, or noticing changes in mood or performance, it may be time to look at your cortisol levels. Dr. Howard uses advanced hormone and adrenal testing along with real conversations about your lifestyle, stressors, and goals.
Call Howard Health & Wellness in Naples at 239-331-2285 to schedule your consultation today and learn about treatment options.
