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Around your forties, a major shift begins to take place beneath the surface. Estrogen starts to decline, and with it, your body’s ability to regulate cortisol becomes compromised. These changes are often dismissed as “just part of aging,” but the symptoms many women experience during perimenopause and menopause are deeply rooted in hormonal biology, and they’re not something you have to live with.
Let’s unpack what’s really happening.
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The Estrogen and Cortisol Connection
Estrogen and cortisol are closely intertwined. Estrogen helps modulate your body’s stress response by regulating how sensitive your brain and adrenal glands are to cortisol. When estrogen levels are stable, cortisol production is kept in check, and your body can recover from stress more efficiently.
But once estrogen begins to drop (often gradually starting in your late thirties or early forties), that regulation starts to falter. Your body becomes more reactive to stress, and cortisol can remain elevated for longer periods of time. This prolonged elevation of cortisol affects everything from your metabolism and mood to your sleep and digestion.
High cortisol levels also make it harder for your body to produce progesterone, which further throws off hormonal balance. This is why so many women in perimenopause feel “off” in ways that standard lab tests or advice can’t explain.
Common Signs Your Cortisol Is Too High During Menopause
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Poor sleep or waking in the early morning hours
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Sugar and carb cravings that seem impossible to resist
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Stubborn belly fat that lingers despite healthy habits
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Brain fog and memory issues
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Feeling tired during the day but wired at night
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Irritability or emotional reactivity
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And while these symptoms are common, they are not inevitable. Supporting your stress response system is key to restoring balance and energy.
Herbal Support for Cortisol Balance
This is exactly why we created the Cortisol Tea Bundle: to provide women with a gentle, effective way to support their bodies during hormonal shifts and chronic stress.
Cortisol Daytime Tea
Crafted for daytime resilience, this refreshing tea includes:
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Tulsi (Holy Basil) to help the body adapt to stress
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Rooibos is rich in antioxidants that protect against inflammation and everyday wear and tear
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Lemon Verbena is a nervine to calm the mind while gently uplifting the mood
It supports focus and a sense of grounded energy throughout the day. Enjoy hot or iced to stay calm and clear even on your busiest days.
Don't forget your tea infuser mug for easy making!
Cortisol Evening Tea
Designed to help you wind down and recover:
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Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen that regulates cortisol levels and supports the adrenals
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Nettle Leaf and Oatstraw to remineralize and nourish the nervous system
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Dandelion Root for gentle detoxification
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Skullcap to ease tension and help the body unwind
Drink in the evening to quiet mental chatter and prepare your body for deep, restful sleep.
Pair It With Our Menopause Tea for Hormonal Harmony
To round out your support system, our Menopause Tea provides targeted herbs that nourish the hormonal terrain:
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Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) to encourage hormonal regulation
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Red Clover for its plant-based estrogenic effects
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Sage to ease hot flashes and improve mental clarity
These botanicals work synergistically with the Cortisol Teas to help you feel balanced, centered, and more like yourself again.
The Takeaway
Hormonal changes after 40 are complex, but they are not out of your control. By understanding the role estrogen plays in regulating stress, and taking steps to support cortisol levels with nourishing herbs, you can begin to feel more energized, focused, and emotionally balanced.
You don’t have to push through the fatigue, cravings, and fog. Let your tea ritual become your daily act of resilience and nourishment. Your body is wise, and with the right support, it knows exactly how to find its way back to balance.
If you enjoyed this blog, you may also like this one, where we deep dive into the Evening Cortisol Tea.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.