{"id":12987,"date":"2025-01-16T17:45:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T10:45:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=12987"},"modified":"2025-01-16T17:45:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T10:45:24","slug":"episode-151-cortisol-the-misunderstood-stress-hormone-with-dr-carla-digirolamo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=12987","title":{"rendered":"Episode #151: &#8220;Cortisol: The Misunderstood Stress Hormone&#8221; with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">We hear so much about cortisol, the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/01\/how-to-calm-down-with-4-easy-techniques\/\">stress<\/a> hormone,\u201d on social media these days. <a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2017\/06\/what-you-need-to-know-about-stress-addiction\/\">Cortisol<\/a> has become a buzz word in the health and fitness industry\u2014part of a cautionary tale used to warn women away from intense bouts of exercise they age.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">From fear-mongering posts about how it\u2019s ruining your health to questionable advice from \u201chormone coaches\u201d selling pricey supplements and restrictive diets\u2014it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">That\u2019s why we brought in <i><em class=\"italic\">the<\/em><\/i> expert, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcarlad.com\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">Dr. Carla DiGirolamo<\/a>\u2014a Board Certified Obstetrician\/Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, <a href=\"https:\/\/menopause.org\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">Menopause Society<\/a> Certified Practitioner, and fitness enthusiast (not to mention a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crossfit.com\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">CrossFit<\/a> trainer and certified nutrition coach). She\u2019s spent her career helping active women\u2014from puberty to menopause\u2014optimize their mental and physical performance. Yep, she\u2019s basically a rockstar when it comes to understanding hormones and coaching high-performing women.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This week\u2019s episode of T<em>he Fit Bottomed Girls Podcast<\/em> is all about cortisol\u2014the misunderstood \u201cstress hormone\u201d everyone loves to hate. We\u2019re cutting through the noise, debunking myths, and exploring how cortisol plays a critical role in your health, fitness, and overall resilience. Together, Dr. Carla and I tackle the conversation we all need to hear about cortisol, women\u2019s health, and the truth behind those viral hormone claims.<\/p>\n<p>Seriously, this week\u2019s episode is one for the books.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-316345 alignright lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_388,h_485\/https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"485\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-316345 alignright lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cortisol-graphic-1-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\"\/>Here\u2019s why we\u2019re obsessed with this episode:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Dr. Carla\u2019s analogy of cortisol as the trombone in a much larger orchestra will completely change the way you think about hormones, stress, and health. (Spoiler alert: it\u2019s not all about cortisol!) She also dives into practical ways to dial down stress, recover better, and stay strong as you age.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Real Talk: Recovery Matters<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Recovery isn\u2019t just a checkbox after a workout\u2014it\u2019s where improvement actually happens. Whether it\u2019s dialing in your nutrition, prioritizing sleep, or finally learning to love your cool-down routine, recovery helps you stay resilient and ready for your next challenge.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Don\u2019t skip this one if\u2026<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2705 You\u2019ve been freaked out by cortisol content on social media.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2705 You want to know how to be stronger (and healthier) as you age.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2705 You\u2019re curious about how hormones impact your stress and performance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Tune in now to hear Dr. Carla\u2019s incredible insights and practical advice!<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/83215\/ep-151-cortisol-the-misunderstood-stress-hormone-with-dr-carla-digirolamo\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">L<\/strong><\/b><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">is<\/strong><\/b><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">ten to the Full Episode Here<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"text-indigo-700 underline underline-offset-4 external\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PVDWVhWSoC0\" rel=\"nofollow\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Watch the episode on YouTube<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">What You\u2019ll Learn in This Episode:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Cortisol isn\u2019t the villain\u2014it\u2019s essential for life and fitness.<\/strong><\/b> It\u2019s the hormone that helps you tackle challenges, whether that\u2019s a tough workout or life stress. However, it\u2019s all about returning your stress response system to baseline after activation.<\/li>\n<li value=\"2\"><strong>Stop worrying about \u201cspiking your cortisol.\u201d<\/strong> You need cortisol to be responsive to outside stressors in order to survive. Instead, start focusing on returning your stress response system to baseline regularly through proven down-regulation strategies like meditation, leisure walks, gentle or relaxing yoga.<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"2\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Burnout isn\u2019t caused by cortisol\u2014it\u2019s caused by chronic stress.<\/strong><\/b> Dr. Carla shares how to address what\u2019s triggering your elevated stress rather than blaming cortisol itself.<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"3\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Why aging changes the game.<\/strong><\/b> Recovery gets trickier as women age due to changes in resilience and hormonal shifts, but proper recovery strategies can keep you thriving. Strength training, nutrition, and mindful recovery are more important than ever.<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"4\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">The limits of hormone testing.<\/strong><\/b> Single snapshots from blood tests can be misleading! Dr. Carla explains why you need to focus on the bigger picture of your health.<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"5\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Under-fueling = underperforming.<\/strong><\/b> Under-eating can actually be a big cause of persistent internal stress and elevated cortisol levels. Nutrition fuels your body for workouts <i><em class=\"italic\">and<\/em><\/i> recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">About Dr. Carla DiGirolamo<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Carla DiGirolamo is a double Board-Certified Obstetrician\/Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinologist specializing in caring for active and high-performing women from puberty through menopause. Dr. Carla completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brown University Medical School\/Women and Infants\u2019 Hospital and Reproductive Endocrinology fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Carla has 20 years of experience as a fertility specialist and more recently as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is also an endocrine consultant for Wild Health and Eternal Life. She has been featured in Boston Magazine\u2019s Top Doctors in the Boston area for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Carla has been featured in multiple podcasts and speakerships at various events discussing the physiology of the hormonal changes of menopause, hormone therapy, and optimizing physical performance in elite and avid recreational female athletes. Dr Carla is also the author of multiple courses including the \u201cMenopause Fitness Specialist\u201d course with MedFit Classroom, and the \u201cStrong\u201d and\u201d Navigate Menopause\u201d courses with Feisty Media. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Carla has been in the fitness industry her entire life as a recreational athlete and for more than a decade as a fitness professional with credentials as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As a pioneer in Women\u2019s Performance Endocrinology, she specializes in optimizing mental and physical performance in women in high-performance professions and female athletes of all ages.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Carla has a blog through Substack called \u201cAthletic Aging\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticaging.blog\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.athleticaging.blog\/<\/a><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span> and her second publication \u201cPerformance Edge\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.performanceedge.blog\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.performanceedge.blog\/<\/a><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>launched in February 2023<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Follow Dr. Carla<\/h2>\n<p>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcarlad.com\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.drcarlad.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carla.digirolamo.14\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carla.digirolamo.14<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dr_carla_d\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dr_carla_d\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Linked in: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carla-digirolamo-0109b8103\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carla-digirolamo-0109b8103\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Sponsor Shoutout<\/h2>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">This episode was brought to you by <a href=\"https:\/\/milestogoathletics.com\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><em class=\"italic\">Miles to Go Athletics<\/em><\/i><\/a>. Take our app-based training community for\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/milestogoathletics.com\/stronger365-free-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">a two-week no obligation test drive here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Liked This Episode? Don\u2019t Forget to Subscribe!<\/h2>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to hit that <i><em class=\"italic\">Subscribe<\/em><\/i> button so you never miss an episode filled with insightful conversations. And don\u2019t forget to leave us a review\u2014it helps more people discover the show!<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Do you think cortisol is your enemy? Think again.<\/strong><\/b> <\/strong><em>\u2013Alison<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/01\/episode-151-cortisol-the-misunderstood-stress-hormone-with-dr-carla-digirolamo\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We hear so much about cortisol, the \u201cstress hormone,\u201d on social media these days. Cortisol has become a buzz word in the health and fitness industry\u2014part of a cautionary tale used to warn women away from intense bouts of exercise they age. From fear-mongering posts about how it\u2019s ruining your health to questionable advice from &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12987"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12987\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}