The Hidden Effects of Stress on Your Body
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become almost unavoidable. But chronic stress symptoms may be quietly damaging your health in ways you don’t even realize — from disrupted cortisol levels to weakened immunity.
Let’s explore the real effects of stress and how you can take control.
What Is Stress, Really?
Stress is your body’s natural defense mechanism. When you face a challenge or threat, your adrenal glands release stress hormones — mainly cortisol and adrenaline — to keep you alert and ready to respond.
In the short term, this is beneficial. But when stress hormone levels stay high for long periods, you enter a state of chronic stress, which can lead to serious health consequences.
🧠 5 Hidden Effects of Stress on the Body
Hormonal Imbalance
Excess cortisol disrupts other hormones like DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone, affecting sleep, energy, and mood.
Weakened Immune System
High cortisol suppresses immune function, making you more susceptible to illness and inflammation.
Poor Sleep Quality
Cortisol spikes at night can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leaving you tired but unable to sleep.
Brain Fog and Mood Changes
Chronic stress reduces serotonin and dopamine, leading to focus issues, anxiety, and depression.
Weight Gain
High cortisol increases sugar cravings and abdominal fat storage, making weight loss harder.
💡 Do You Have Chronic Stress Symptoms?
Common chronic stress symptoms include fatigue, irritability, digestive problems, headaches, and sleep disturbances. But these symptoms alone can’t tell you exactly what’s happening with your hormones.
The only way to know for sure is to measure your cortisol levels and DHEA levels.
How to Test Your Stress Hormones
🔬 Testing Your Stress Hormones
The Thorne Stress Test is an at-home stress hormone test that measures your cortisol rhythm and DHEA levels through a simple saliva sample.
Benefits of the Thorne Stress Test:
- Measures cortisol levels at 4 key points in the day
- Tracks DHEA for resilience and recovery insights
- Provides a personalized, easy-to-read report
- CLIA-certified and science-backed
✅ Take Control of Your Stress
Understanding your body’s stress response is the first step to restoring balance and energy.
👉 Order your Thorne Stress Test here
Quick, accurate, and done entirely from home.
