Hey, Heal Squad! Wondering why you’re feeling anxious, depressed, not getting enough sleep, or feeling that afternoon fatigue that you just can’t get rid of? Dr. Sara Szal might have the answer, especially if you’re one of the 24 million Americans affected by autoimmune conditions. Hint: It could be your cortisol! And if you haven’t heard much about cortisol, it’s because primary care physicians rarely test for this…Dr. Szal shares how cortisol, impacts everything from mental health to autoimmune disease, and why many women experience hormone shifts much earlier than they think. We unpack the role trauma plays in all of this too, signs you might have high cortisol, and steps you can take to get your cortisol levels in check. I can’t believe how little I knew about cortisol considering how many autoimmune conditions I have. This is a MUST LISTEN!  HEALERS AND HEAL-LINERS: Cortisol (aka the “stress hormone”) is often overlooked, especially in women, even though it plays a major role in both our physical and mental health. Staying stuck in fight or flight can cause major fluctuations in cortisol levels, which can lead to the onset of autoimmunity. Hormone imbalances can start earlier than you think. It’s not something that waits until you’re in your 40s, these hormone imbalances can occur as young as your 20s! Signs of high cortisol levels: Anxiety, Depression, Weight gain/belly fat, High blood sugar, High blood pressure, Brain fog, Low sex drive, and Poor sleep Chronic stress can actually shrink your brain, especially for women, and can lead to the onset of Alzheimer's.  HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website: https://www.healsquad.com/ Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy’s Page: Shop my Macy’s Wishlist OUAI: https://theouai.com/ use promo code: HEALSQUAD for 15% off Wonderful Pistachios: http://www.wonderfulpistachios.com/ Connect with Dr. Szal:  Instagram @saragottfriedmd YouTube @DrGottfried Tiktok @saragottfriedmd Facebook @DrGottfried Website: https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/  DUTCH Test: https://dutchtest.com/info-dutch-complete/  Dr. Szals Best-Selling Books: The Hormone Cure & The Autoimmune Cure ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content ( published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or Mariamenounos.com and healsquad.com ) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.