Cortisol, stress, and the power of oxytocin 

😖 Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system—a stress hormone that’s essential for energy, focus, and survival. But when cortisol stays elevated due to chronic stress, it throws off the entire hormonal system. Estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and even insulin can all fall out of sync.


🧪 Research shows that chronic high cortisol can lead to fatigue, belly fat, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and irregular cycles. The good news? You can help bring cortisol back into balance by boosting another hormone: oxytocin—your body’s natural calming, connection hormone.


🔧 Tip: Try oxytocin-boosting practices like physical touch (hugs, massage), connecting with loved ones, playing with a pet, laughing, or doing acts of kindness. Also helpful: yoga, breathwork, nature walks, and slow meals with people you enjoy. These gentle habits help reduce cortisol and support hormone harmony.

At Vagal, we show you how to build oxytocin naturally and calm your stress response—so your hormones can reset and thrive.