High Cortisol vs Low Cortisol: Which Stress Pattern Are You Actually In?

About this episode

Kim Schaper explores cortisol dysregulation in women during perimenopause and menopause, discussing its effects and the importance of understanding different cortisol patterns.

In this episode of the Radiant Revolution Podcast, Kim dives deep into one of the most misunderstood hormone issues women face in perimenopause and menopause: cortisol dysregulation. Using her own recent experience navigating the stress of buying and selling a home, Kim breaks down how chronic stress impacts the body, why cortisol is not the enemy, and how different cortisol patterns can create completely different symptoms. She explains the difference between high cortisol and low cortisol patterns, how each one affects metabolism, weight, sleep, energy, mood, cravings, and recovery, and why so many women are unknowingly treating the wrong issue. Kim also shares why conventional medicine often misses cortisol dysfunction entirely and how functional testing can provide the missing answers. This episode is packed with practical education, symptom breakdowns, nervous system support strategies, and insight into how cortisol connects to insulin, estrogen, and thyroid health. What You’ll Learn What cortisol actually is and why your body needs it How stress impacts hormones in perimenopause and menopause The connection between estrogen and cortisol The difference between high cortisol…

People in this episode

Host: Kim Schaper

Topics covered

• cortisol dysregulation
• stress patterns
• perimenopause
• menopause
• hormonal health
• functional testing

Keywords

• cortisol
• high cortisol
• low cortisol
• stress
• hormones
• metabolism
• symptoms
• functional medicine

More episodes of Radiant Revolution

• Stop Tweaking Your Calories. Run the Labs That Actually Show What’s Going On · June 10, 2026 · 14 min
• 5 simple steps to fixing insulin resistance in menopause · June 3, 2026 · 13 min
• If You Keep Hearing ‘Eat Less, Move More’ Here’s Why That Advice Is Failing You · May 27, 2026 · 24 min
• Why Your Thyroid Labs “Look Normal” But You Still Feel Terrible · May 13, 2026 · 18 min
• Root Cause Healing, Mindset, and Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard with Marissa Chong Episode Summary · April 29, 2026 · 36 min
• Why Liver Detoxification Is the Missing First Step for Hormone Healing · April 22, 2026 · 11 min