Stress is often described as a feeling, pressure, overwhelm, or anxiety. But physiologically, stress is much more than an emotion. Stress is a metabolic event that activates powerful systems in the body designed to help us survive challenging situations.

One of the most important of these systems is the HPA axis, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which controls the body’s stress response. When the brain perceives stress, the HPA axis signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol, often called the body’s primary stress hormone.

Cortisol is not inherently harmful. In fact, it is essential for survival.

In the short term, cortisol helps mobilize energy, regulate blood sugar, and sharpen focus. It prepares the body to respond to challenges. However, when stress becomes chronic, cortisol can begin to shift the body into a prolonged survival mode,  and this is where depletion can occur.

Understanding how cortisol affects the body can help women support their health more effective...