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In this episode of MOHIVATE, Dr Mohi Sarawgee explores cortisol - the hormone behind survival, rhythm, and modern stress.

Cortisol is the body’s alarm system. We unpack what it actually does, how its daily rhythm works, and why disruption of that rhythm often matters more than any single test result.

She explains what cortisol really is, where it’s made, and how it works through the brain–body stress axis. She explores the difference between acute and chronic stress, why rhythm matters more than single test results, and how cortisol interacts with blood sugar, memory, sleep, mood, and other hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid signalling.

You’ll hear why stress doesn’t always show up as “high cortisol” on a blood test, why cortisol testing can be misleading without context, and how modern life keeps the nervous system in a state of quiet vigilance and where survival slowly becomes a lifestyle..

With clinical insight, warmth, and clarity, this episode brings science back to where it belongs: in the body, not just on a lab report.

References:

1. McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199801153380307

2. Russell GM, Lightman SL.The human stress response.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-019-0228-0

3. Adam EK et al.Diurnal cortisol slopes and mental and physical health outcomes.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453017301963

Just a gentle reminder: this episode is for information, education, and inspiration only. It’s not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For any personal health concerns, always seek guidance from your doctor.