Cortisol gets a lot of bad publicity, but if you didn’t have it, you would die.
Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone released as part of the body’s response to a threatening situation. But when cortisol levels are on the low or high end of the normal range, many women experience symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.
In my book, The Hormone Balance Bible, I explore this in detail through the lens of two archetypes that revolve around cortisol: the Workaholic and the Saboteur. Today I’m sharing the characteristics of these archetypes, common symptoms, and recommendations for how each archetype can use my S.H.I.N.E.S. protocol to find balance. Enjoy the episode!
Episode Highlights
-The role of cortisol in the body
-The Workaholic archetype is at the high end of the normal range of cortisol levels
-Common characteristics of Workaholics
-Symptoms of high cortisol levels
-The best ways to test your cortisol levels
-How Workaholics can use my S.H.I.N.E.S. protocol to get back in balance
S: Spiritual practices
+Practice detachment and forgiveness
+Give yourself the grace to incorporate new practices slowly
+Learn to embrace uncertainty
+Aromatherapy and tuning into your sense of smell
H: Hormonal modulation
+DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and other sex hormones
I: Infoceuticals
+Dr. Mariza Snyder’s essential oil recommendations
+Frankincense
+Lavender
+Lemongrass
+Myrrh
+Patchouli
+Vetiver
N: Nutrition
+Increase protein intake and mindful eating
+Focus on healthy fats
+Reduce your caffeine intake
E: Exercise
+Don’t overdo it
+Think of workouts as a means to relieve and repair your body
+Try to exercise in the morning
S: Supplementation
+Zyflamend™ by New Chapter
+Asian ginseng
+Ashwagandha
+Astragalus
+Rhodiola
+Medicinal mushrooms
+CordyChi® Capsules
Book recommendations for Workaholics
My Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Alan Christianson’s Book | The Adrenal Reset Diet: Strategically Cycle Carbs and Proteins to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, and Move from Stressed to Thriving
Jonathan Fields’ Book | Uncertainty: Turning Fear and Doubt into Fuel for Brilliance
-If the Workaholic never slows down, they become the Saboteur
-The Saboteur archetype is at the lower end of the normal range of cortisol levels
-The four phases of the Saboteur
-Busting the myth of the pregnenolone steal
-A case study of the Saboteur
-Primary symptoms of adrenal fatigue
-How Saboteurs can use my S.H.I.N.E.S. protocol to get back in balance
S: Spiritual practices
+The aim is restoration
+Try mindful breathing, being in the now, and recognizing the self
H: Hormonal modulation
+Why I use desiccated bovine adrenal glands
I: Infoceuticals
+Dr. Mariza Snyder’s essential oil recommendations
+Lavender
+Nutmeg
+Pine
+Rosemary
+Spruce
+Sweet Orange
+Valerian
N: Nutrition
+Food sensitivity testing can be helpful
+Embrace lean protein, healthy fats, colorful vegetables, low glycemic index fruits, foods that promote gut health, bone broth (an excellent alternative to coffee), seaweed, and raw honey
+Avoid processed foods, sugar, and caffeine
E: Exercise
+Focus on the element of movement
+Slow down and practice saying no
+Walking, tai chi, and swimming are great options
S: Supplementation
+Rhodiola
+Ashwagandha
+Astragalus
+Asian ginseng
+Licorice root (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
+Maca
+Betaine (trimethylglycine)
+Zinc
Book Recommendations for Saboteurs
My Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Alan Christianson’s Book | The Adrenal Reset Diet: Strategically Cycle Carbs and Proteins to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, and Move from Stressed to Thriving
James L. Wilson’s Book | Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome
Dr. T’s Confession: I’ve never had my cortisol checked
Mentioned In This Episode
Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 13: Essentially You: Essential Oils and Women’s Health with Dr. Mariza Snyder
Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 19: Magic and Medicinal Mushrooms with Mason Taylor of SuperFeast
Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 15: Thyroid, Adrenals, and Metabolism OH MY! with Dr. Alan Christianson
Udo Erasmus’ Book | Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill: The Complete Guide to Fats, Oils, Cholesterol and Human Health
Zyflamend™ by New Chapter
SuperFeast Mushrooms
Host Defense® Mushrooms™
Host Defense® CordyChi® Capsules
Eckhart Tolle’s Book | The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Femmenessence Maca Products
Resources
Dr. Shawn Tassone’s Practice
Dr. Shawn Tassone’s Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Dr. Shawn Tassone’s Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz
Medical Disclaimer
This podcast and website represent the opinions of Dr. Shawn Tassone and his guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Because each person is so unique, please consult your health care professional for any medical questions.
