Adrenal Fatigue, Burnout & Low Progesterone: How Stress Impacts Your Cycle
Do you ever feel like your cycle is working against you?
PMS that hijacks your mood
Sleep problems in the luteal phase
Spotting, heavy bleeds, or cycle changes after stressful seasons
These aren’t random symptoms. They’re often signs that chronic stress is impacting your hormones, especially progesterone.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue (or HPA Axis Dysfunction)?
Your adrenal glands produce cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. In short bursts, cortisol is protective. But when you’re under constant pressure — work stress, emotional load, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies — your cortisol remains elevated. This is what we call HPA axis dysregulation, or what many refer to as "adrenal fatigue."
Cortisol vs. Progesterone
Here’s where it gets interesting: your adrenal glands and ovaries share precursor hormones. When the demand for cortisol is high, progesterone takes a back seat. This is called the “progesterone steal,” and it leads to symptoms like:
Anxiety and mood swings
Poor sleep, especially around ovulation and before your period
Spotting before your period starts
Shortened luteal phase
Difficulty conceiving
Stress Isn’t Just Emotional
You might be thinking: "I’m not that stressed." But stress is more than just feeling overwhelmed. It includes:
Blood sugar crashes
Inflammation and gut issues
Overtraining without rest
Nutrient depletion (especially B vitamins, magnesium, zinc)
How to Rebuild and Rebalance
As a naturopath, I focus on restoring nervous system balance, supporting adrenal function, and helping you make your body feel safe again to ovulate and produce progesterone.
My approach includes:
Targeted herbal medicine for adrenal restoration (like Withania and Rhodiola)
Nutritional support for hormone production
Mind-body practices to regulate the stress response
Full symptom and cycle tracking
Blood test interpretation beyond "normal"
You Deserve Better Than Burnout
If you’ve been feeling stuck in survival mode, it’s time to tune back into your body. PMS, cycle changes, and hormonal chaos aren't just part of being a woman — they're signs your body needs support.
Book a consult today and let’s start rebuilding from the root.
