764. Is It Cortisol? How to Tell If Your Adrenals Are Really the Problem

How do you know if it's really your cortisol causing symptoms like exhaustion, burnout, low mood, or low libido? How do you know if it's adrenal insufficiency, adrenal dysfunction, or something else entirely? In this episode, I break down exactly how to tell the difference between low cortisol and high cortisol, why symptoms overlap with thyroid issues and other hormone imbalances, and why guessing or treating blindly can actually make things worse. What I Cover in This Episode • The difference between adrenal function vs cortisol output • Why blood, saliva, and urine cortisol tests tell very different stories • Why DUTCH testing shows the full picture of adrenal function and cortisol metabolism • Common low cortisol symptoms, including – Extreme fatigue and burnout – Low motivation and low mood – Feeling "overcast" instead of like yourself – Low libido (even with normal testosterone) – Dizziness when standing, heart racing, weakness – Sleep issues that don't improve with rest • Why these symptoms are often confused with – Thyroid dysfunction – Low testosterone – Low estrogen or DHEA – Neurotransmitter imbalances – Gut issues, blood sugar problems, dehydration, or histamine issues • Why women are often told to "just be less stressed" when their systems are actually running on empty • Why taking the wrong supplement for cortisol can pour gas on the fire • How stress, sleep loss, life changes, and overtraining can stall healing even when you're "doing everything right" Without the right testing, it's like being lost in the woods with the wrong map. DUTCH testing shows us where you are, what systems are struggling, and what needs support first so your body can actually recover. Once we know what your system needs, herbal tinctures can be powerful tools during the healing process, especially for adrenal and nervous system support. Tinctures are not meant to be a forever crutch. They are part of a strategic phase to help calm the stress response, support cortisol regulation, and give your body the resources it needs to stabilize so deeper healing can happen. If you are feeling • Wired but exhausted • Burned out and flat • Emotionally fragile • Unable to recover from stress • Or like your body just won't respond anymore Targeted adrenal and nervous system tinctures can help bridge the gap while you address sleep, nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle foundations. To support you as you move into the New Year, we're offering: 10% off all tinctures + FREE shipping Use code: NEWYEAR Valid Dec 30 - Jan 2 This is a great time to give your nervous system and adrenals some extra support while you work on the bigger picture. Shop the sale: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com

In this episode, I break down why you can feel exhausted all day but suddenly wired the moment you try to sleep. We talk about how cortisol, melatonin, blood sugar, and perimenopause all play a role, and what you can actually do to get real rest. What we cover: 1. Cortisol and melatonin basics Your circadian rhythm depends on high cortisol in the morning and low cortisol at night. If cortisol spikes in the evening, you will feel "tired but wired." Taking melatonin will not help if melatonin is normal and cortisol is the real problem. 2. How DUTCH testing reveals the root cause A DUTCH hormone test shows: Your full cortisol pattern throughout the day Melatonin output Blood sugar, nutrient, and inflammation markers Estrogen and progesterone levels that may affect sleep This is why DUTCH is so helpful for women who have tried every sleep aid with no results. One client had perfect melatonin but high nighttime cortisol. Once we targeted that, her sleep finally improved. 3. Simple tools to try tonight Protein before bed: At least 20 grams to stabilize blood sugar and quiet cortisol. Nighttime routine: Lower lights, cooler bedroom, weighted blanket, deep breathing, red light, warm bath. Journaling: Empty your brain before bed so you are not carrying mental clutter into sleep. 4. Perimenopause and sleep changes Falling progesterone can make it harder to relax or stay asleep. Supporting progesterone naturally and adding magnesium or B vitamins at night can help. 5. Herbal and nutritional support Adrenal tincture to support cortisol regulation Sleep tincture to calm the nervous system Magnesium in the evening to relax muscles and reduce tension Consistency matters. Sleep often improves gradually over three or more weeks. Why a DUTCH test is your next step  If you are done guessing, DUTCH testing shows exactly: Whether cortisol, melatonin, blood sugar, or inflammation is keeping you awake What your hormones are doing at night Which specific areas to target This saves time, money, and frustration so you can finally sleep again. You can order a DUTCH test here and get a personalized review and plan: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/ Better sleep starts with understanding what your hormones are doing behind the scenes.

In this episode of the Female Health Solution Podcast, I break down one of the biggest frustrations women face: Your labs come back "normal," yet you still feel exhausted, inflamed, moody, or nothing like yourself, and no one can explain why. Here's what we cover: Why basic blood work misses the real problem Regular labs look for disease, not dysfunction. A standard CBC or hormone panel can't show how your hormones are produced, processed, or eliminated. Blood tests catch crises, not the early warning signs of perimenopause, adrenal burnout, or estrogen dominance. What DUTCH urine hormone testing reveals that blood work can't All three estrogens: E1, E2, and E3 Phase 1 and Phase 2 estrogen detox (your liver pathways) Methylation which is a major cause of PMS, migraines, brain fog, and mood swings Cortisol rhythm throughout the day Nutrient deficiencies and gut-related patterns This level of detail finally explains why you feel off and what to do about it. Real client stories Sara's story: Blood labs said "you're fine." Her DUTCH test showed exactly why she had migraines, poor sleep, and terrible PMS. Within months on a targeted plan, PMS dropped by 50 percent and her menstrual migraines disappeared. At her follow-up, her clinic literally told her, "We don't know how to read this." Jenna's story: A mom of five determined not to be a "half version" of herself. She researched every option and realized she would have to piece together three times the number of tests to get what DUTCH shows in one report. Once she saw her results, she finally had a roadmap instead of guessing. Why your hormone issues are never just one thing Your genetics, stress load, pregnancies, environmental toxins, sleep, and nutrient status all intersect. DUTCH shows which pieces are breaking down: production, processing, or elimination, so you stop guessing and start targeting the right areas. Why DUTCH is the roadmap your health has been missing This test shows: Where the "holes in your boat" actually are Which systems need support What is driving your symptoms And exactly what to do next Instead of random supplements, you get clarity. Ready for real answers? If you're tired of hearing "your labs are normal" while your body tells a different story, it's time to go deeper. You can: Order a DUTCH test through us Get a personalized review and plan from my team Finally understand your hormone story and what your body has been trying to tell you Order your hormone test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

Your hormones are not separate from your life. They're responding to it. And nothing reveals that more clearly than the holiday season. Every year, women take on more—more planning, more emotional labor, more mental load, more pressure to make everything magical. And we tell ourselves it's "just busy," but physiologically, there's so much more happening beneath the surface. When your schedule gets unpredictable, your meals get irregular, or your sleep gets pushed aside, your cortisol rises. When cortisol rises, progesterone dips. And when progesterone dips, you feel it: heavier PMS, shorter tempers, disrupted sleep, more cravings, more bloating, more mood swings. This episode is about understanding why the holidays hit your body the way they do—and how to protect yourself without throwing out the joy of the season. I'm sharing the simple shifts that matter most: – Why boundaries are hormone regulation, not selfishness – How rest stabilizes cortisol faster than any supplement – Why simplifying meals reduces inflammation and digestive stress – How overstimulation impacts sleep cycles and adrenal function – And why ease—not perfection—is the most supportive thing for your hormones right now This isn't about doing the holidays "right." It's about no longer abandoning yourself in the process. Because when you understand what your body needs—especially during the most demanding season of the year—you don't just protect your hormones… you protect your experience, your energy, and the memories you actually want to be part of. If you've ever wondered why you hit January feeling depleted, this episode will finally make it make sense.  And if you're listening and thinking, "I need deeper support than holiday tips," that's exactly what the 1:1 VIP program is for. It's the highest level of care I offer—personalized testing, custom protocols, and direct access to me so we can uncover what your body actually needs and help you rebuild from the inside out. If this season has you realizing it's time for a different level of support, you can learn more here: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/

Today is a little different...I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really happening inside your body during this stage of life—and what most women are never told. If you're in your 40s (or even your late 30s) and you've wondered, "Is this perimenopause… or is something actually wrong with me?" this conversation is for you. As I've moved into my forties myself, and having worked with hundreds of women in this phase, I've become even more aware of how much confusion and noise surrounds this transition. Perimenopause has almost become a buzzword, but very few women understand what it truly is, how long it can last, or why two women the same age can have completely different experiences. I share my own reflections—the way I think about aging, how I look at my life in five-year chapters, and what I want the next decades to look like—not from fear, but from clarity. Inside this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what's happening hormonally: why menopause is defined as a full 12 months without a cycle, what perimenopause actually means, and why your hormone levels don't simply "step down" in a neat little staircase (even though I wish it worked that way!). Instead, it's more like a roller coaster—one that affects mood, energy, weight, sleep, and stress far more than most people realize. And here's the part most women never hear: sometimes what feels like perimenopause isn't perimenopause at all. It's adrenal fatigue. It's stress. It's chronic under-fueling. It's a testosterone drop from years of dieting. It's nutrient deficiencies—like the woman I talk about in this episode who had no idea she was severely B12 deficient until we tested. These things mimic perimenopause almost perfectly, and if you don't know what you're looking at, you can't fix it. That's why I also walk through the kind of testing that actually gives answers—specifically DUTCH testing—and why it's so valuable in understanding estrogen metabolism, progesterone patterns, cortisol, stress response, nutrient status, and more. When you see the full picture, you stop guessing… and you finally know how to support your body through this phase of life. If you've been feeling stuck, confused, or like your body has changed faster than your habits have, this episode will help you reconnect the dots. Because yes—your hormones are shifting. Yes—your needs are changing. But this transition is not something to fear. It's something to understand, so you can move through it feeling grounded, supported, and at home in your body again. If this episode resonated, you'll want to join my mini podcast series, Perimenopause: What it is, What it's not, and What you can do about it This free, short-form series goes even deeper into: • the real signs of perimenopause • the symptoms that aren't perimenopause (but often get blamed on it) • why so many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed • what your hormones should be doing in your 40s • how adrenal function plays a bigger role than anyone tells you • the testing that brings all the answers into one place • practical steps to support your metabolism, mood, and energy right now If you want clarity—real clarity—on where you are in the transition and what your body is asking for, click the link and get immediate access. Listen to the FREE Perimenopause Mini Series

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how specific herbs in our cycle-based tinctures support your hormones in a real, clinical way—not just "woo" or wishful thinking. We talk through five key herbs you'll find in my Estrogen support and progesterone-support tinctures—red clover, angelica, white peony, Vitex, and red raspberry leaf—and what they actually do in the body: How red clover helps your estrogen receptors work properly (without "adding more estrogen") so you can calm brain fog, mood swings, and night sweats. Why angelica and white peony are powerful blood- and yin-tonics that support your liver, improve hormone metabolism, and ease estrogen dominance symptoms like heavy bleeding and ragey PMS. How white peony and Vitex work on the luteal phase to support progesterone, stabilize your cycle, and improve PMS, sleep, and even fertility. Why red raspberry leaf is a true uterine tonic that supports cramping, irregular cycles, and overall uterine health. I share how these tinctures are used in a cycle-specific way (Estrogen days 1–14, progesterone support days 15–28), why tincture form is so much more potent and adjustable than a one-size-fits-all capsule, and how they fit into a functional medicine approach—layered with nutrition, lifestyle, and, when needed, hormone testing. Black Friday deals  If you've been curious about trying the tinctures or finally getting a DUTCH hormone test, this is the best time all year to do it: Black Friday Tincture Sale (11/24–12/1) 15% off all tinctures Plus free shipping Use code BFSALE at checkout https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/ These are ideal if you're dealing with: Heavy or painful periods Mood swings, anger, or "rage" PMS Night sweats, brain fog, or irregular cycles Perimenopause shifts that suddenly make your cycle feel unpredictable DUTCH Test Black Friday Offer (now through 12/1) If you're ready for deeper answers and a customized plan, pair your tincture support with a full comprehensive hormone test and consultation. $100 off the DUTCH test through 12/1 Grab your discounted test here: 👉 https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/offers/ziRZN6NX?coupon_code=BF The DUTCH test shows us exactly how you're producing, converting, and clearing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and androgens—so we're not guessing with your protocol or piling on supplements you don't actually need. If you're listening and thinking, "I've cleaned up my diet, I've done the basics, but my cycle still runs my life," this is your sign to take the next step. Start with the tinctures, go deeper with the DUTCH test, and use this Black Friday window to save while you do it.

If you've ever walked into an appointment desperate for answers and walked out with a pat on the head, a prescription you didn't ask for, or a suggestion that you're "just stressed"… this episode is for you. I'm sharing the story of the first time I was brushed off — right after my first baby, when exhaustion hit me so hard I couldn't carry a car seat 30 feet without my arms shaking. The doctor wrote it off as "normal for new moms." It wasn't. It was postpartum thyroiditis — something that only got diagnosed because someone finally asked the right question. But this episode isn't just about my story. I'm also unpacking one of the most heartbreaking cases I've ever seen: a woman so ignored and so misled that she was handed a divorce lawyer's business card instead of medical help. And all the while, her hormones were screaming for attention — something no one even tested. This is what women are facing every single day. Not just dismissal. Not just neglect. But misinformation and mislabeling real hormone dysfunction as anxiety, stress, or exaggeration. And this is exactly why I teach what I teach. Because once you truly understand your hormone patterns — through comprehensive testing like the DUTCH test — everything changes. You finally have language for your symptoms. You finally have proof. And you finally have a plan forward. Inside the 12-Week Female Hormone Solution, this is exactly what we do. We test. We interpret. We address the root cause. We build a plan around your biology — not generic advice, not symptom-silencing, not guesswork. If you've ever been told "you're fine" when you know you're not… if you've been made to question your own symptoms… if you're tired of trying to advocate for yourself in a system that doesn't listen… This is your turning point. Registration for the 12-Week Female Hormone Solution is now open. If you're ready for someone to finally take you seriously, look at the right labs, and give you real answers — not dismissal — this is where you start. Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/

Let's break down why so many women feel drained even when they're following a healthy lifestyle. The truth is, if your body is functioning in a state of dysfunction, surface-level changes aren't enough. I explain how stress, life events, and hormone imbalances quietly build up over time until your system hits a tipping point—what I call the "overflowing bucket effect." If you've ever been told your labs are "normal" but you still feel far from normal, you'll understand exactly why that happens and what to do next. In this episode, we cover:  How chronic stress and small imbalances accumulate over time and lead to exhaustion Why a clean diet and good sleep aren't enough when your body is already in overload mode Subtle signs that your system is in dysfunction, even when your labs look fine How major life events—grief, transitions, illness, caretaking—physically affect your hormones Why you need to look beyond basic labs to find the real cause of fatigue How to start supporting your biology instead of fighting against it You're not doing the wrong things—you're just missing the bigger picture. Your system has likely been in and out of crisis mode for years. The first step to real healing is understanding what your hormones are trying to tell you and how to work with them, not against them. If you're ready to stop guessing and start uncovering what's really driving your fatigue, I invite you to join the waitlist for The 12 Week Female Hormone Solution. Inside the program, we use advanced hormone testing and personalized protocols to help you finally understand what your body needs—so you can get your energy, metabolism, and confidence back. Join the waitlist here: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/

Today I'm talking about how to create a real safe space so your brain and body can downshift, regulate, and actually recover—especially when the world feels loud and chaotic. Even if you've been eating well, taking your supplements, moving your body, and still feel dysregulated, this might be the missing layer: your environment and boundaries. Why this matters We're processing more inputs than our nervous systems evolved for—constant news, social feeds, and everyone else's emotions at work and at home. That unseen load keeps cortisol revved and makes it hard to feel grounded, sleep deeply, and digest well. If you don't have a calm place to land, everything feels harder. What I cover in this episode The nervous system cost of "always on" and why your stress response takes longer to reset now. How to spot dysregulation at home (it's often not about the puppy, the purchase, or the dinner choice). Creating sanctuary in real life when you share space with others—and they're dysregulated too. Boundaries that lower friction (what we discuss, when we discuss it, and why timing matters). The power of temporary unplugging: how 48 hours off social + dim evenings can change your sleep and mood within days. Scripts that help in the moment so you can opt-out of hot-button conversations without escalating conflict. Why rest isn't laziness (yes, I want you to schedule the nap—your cortisol curve will thank you). Practical steps you can start tonight Evening calm protocol (90 minutes): soft lighting only, no overheads; music or quiet; screens off at a set time. House rules that preserve peace: choose one window per week for budget/"new purchase" talks; table all non-urgent ideas until then. Weekend reset: tell your people you're going phone-off from Friday night to Sunday night; no news, no feeds. Conversation boundaries: pleasant/creative topics on weeknights; heavier topics reserved for agreed times. Sanctuary cues: a chair, blanket, tea, journal—same place, same time—so your body learns "we're safe now." Micro-breaks that count: 10-minute outside walks, eyes off screens, slow exhales (4 seconds in, 6–8 seconds out). Permission to rest: if afternoon fatigue hits, a 20–30 minute nap is a tool, not a failure. What changes when you do this Sleep comes easier and feels deeper. Mood smooths out; reactivity drops. Digestion calms (less bloat, better motility). Clarity returns—you can actually see what to work on next. Ready for a guided first week? If you want a simple, done-for-you plan to Restore Energy, Reset Mood & Renew Digestion—with checklists, timing, and if-this-then-that troubleshooting—join my 7-Day Recharge. It's the exact structure I use to help you regulate quickly so the rest of your health work finally sticks. Join the 7-Day Recharge: Restore Energy, Reset Mood & Renew Digestion — join us here!  Share this episode with a friend who needs a calmer place to land. Your home can become the sanctuary that rebuilds your nervous system—starting tonight.

If you're overwhelmed by all the health advice and not sure where to start, this episode is your simple, targeted on-ramp. I'm breaking down exactly how just 7 focused days can nudge your hormones, nervous system, energy, mood, and digestion in the right direction—without complicated protocols or expensive gadgets. (Gary, my Springer spaniel, also makes a cameo… and yes, petting him is great for cortisol.) Why 7 Days Works (and what we actually target) Instead of trying to fix everything at once, we stack a few high-leverage habits that calm the nervous system, steady blood sugar, and support digestion—so your hormones can follow suit. You'll know what to do and what to try next if your first step doesn't land. Our three pillars: Energy: Create better mornings by prepping your nights (sleep hygiene + gentle cortisol "turn-on" routine). Mood: Steadier blood sugar + specific fast-acting herbs and nutrient repletion you can feel, while longer-build supports get started. Digestion: Simple shifts that reduce bloat, improve motility, and help you actually absorb what you eat. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to stop the overwhelm and pick the first right step (and the second, if needed). AM/PM routines that signal your hormones at the right time (sleep → morning energy). The 80/20 of blood sugar regulation for mood steadiness all day. Quick-win gut supports to reduce bloat and re-train digestion. A clear troubleshooting path if your first attempt doesn't move the needle. Why short, focused action breaks the freeze state and builds momentum. Real-Life Impact I share client stories (including one who was at a serious crossroads in her marriage) where regulating mood and stabilizing energy revealed the next obvious target—sleep and gut. Once the fog lifted, the path forward got clear and doable. What Can Shift in 7 Days Days 1–2: Deeper sleep onset, fewer middle-of-the-night wakeups, less morning grogginess. Days 3–4: Smoother energy curve; fewer crashes; less "hanger." Days 5–7: Noticeable mood steadiness, reduced reactivity, lighter bloat/pressure, more "I feel like myself." (Everyone's timeline is unique, but these are the common early wins.) What's Inside the 7-Day Plan Daily AM/PM checklists (so you don't have to think). Meal framework for blood sugar balance without counting or apps. Mini mood protocol (quick-start nutrients + herbs that act faster). Digestion reset basics (timing, bitters, fiber progression, gentle motility cues). If-this-then-that troubleshooting when Plan A doesn't click. Weekend strategy so you don't lose momentum. Is This For You? You wake up tired, snap more than you want to, and bloat is "just normal." You've tried "all the things" but need a simple, guided first week to gain traction. You're not ready for full testing yet—but want to do something that actually helps. Ready to Start? Join the 7-Day Recharge If you want a done-for-you, step-by-step week to Restore Energy, Reset Mood & Renew Digestion, hop into 7-Day Recharge. I built it to remove the guesswork and give you early wins that build momentum.  Join the 7-Day Recharge: Restore Energy, Reset Mood & Renew Digestion: Join the 7 Day Recharge